Ridge bolts up under big weight

THE Ger Lyons-trained Solent Ridge proved the star of last night’s action in Sligo, defying the welter burden of 10-5 when bolting up in the Racecourse Signage Handicap over six and a half furlongs.

The progressive five-year-old, raised 10lb. for an emphatic win at Naas last Wednesday, took full advantage of a loop-hole in Turf Club regulations which allowed Solent Ridge to contest a 47-65 handicap while rated 70.

Always travelling sweetly under Emmet McNamara, the well-supported 11/8 favourite edged ahead turning for home before powering clear to win readily by five lengths from Slapper, prompting trainer Lyons to comment: “He has always worked like a good horse and it’s good to win two races with him in a week. I just hope the handicapper realises what he has beaten and doesn’t hit him too hard.”