Emotional victory after Solerina fall

Emotional Moment was a facile winner of the McCabe Builders Ltd Boyne Hurdle at Navan this afternoon after his task was made simple by the early departure of Solerina.

Regular front-runner Solerina was held up on only her second attempt at three miles, and she took the first fall of her career when crashing into the final flight on the first circuit.

Emotional Moment, the 8-11 favourite, led for the entire trip in the Grade Three event and never had a moment’s worry, coasting home under Barry Geraghty nine lengths clear of Yogi.

Solerina appeared to be none the worse after her fall, although jockey Gary Hutchinson was stood down for 48 hours with minor concussion.

Emotional Moment’s trainer Tom Taaffe said: “Firstly, I was delighted to see that Solerina was OK. My horse was not exactly wound up for today, but he should have a sporting chance to be in the first three in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. He has never run badly there and will love a bit of good ground.”

Geraghty told At The Races: “I had a peep over my shoulder and Barry Cash and Ruby (Walsh) were there, but there was no sign of Solerina. I didn’t know if she was pulled up or what had happened.

“He had a great run back in November at Cheltenham off top weight in a handicap hurdle when he was third but needed a run. He has now got his hat-trick up in decent three-mile races. He stays well and is going the right way.”