Solerina retains Hatton's Grace Hurdle

Solerina gave a brilliant front-running performance to win the Ballymore Properties Hatton's Grace Hurdle for the second successive year.

Gary Hutchinson set out to stretch the opposition on the seven-year-old mare from the start and the tactics worked as the 4-5 shot gained ground at every hurdle and ran her four rivals ragged.

Brave Inca was true to his name and chased her throughout the final mile but he could not get in a blow and was eventually beaten six lengths by the James Bowe-trained mare, with Rule Supreme.

Trainer's son Michael Bowe said: "She got badly beaten over three miles at Cheltenham (when fourth in the Stayers' Hurdle) but she has enough toe over two if she gets her ground.

“The ground would be the key for the Champion Hurdle. Even if it was over a mile the ground would still be the key. In this testing ground she can just run them off their feet – she seems to be better this year.

“She could go to Leopardstown over Christmas but there is Navan first in two weeks’ time.”

Barry Cash, who rode Brave Inca, said: “He’ll be a lot sharper and jump better on nicer ground.”