A masterclass from Solness or a shocker from beaten jockeys? Sectionals reveal the truth in an intriguing debate

There was an intriguing debate on RTE following Sunday’s Dublin Chase at Leopardstown surrounding the culpability of rival jockeys in Solness’s victory – but the sectional timings confirm this was simply a proper championship performance that makes the winner a serious threat to Jonbon at Cheltenham.

RTE presenter Hugh Cahill claimed the rest of the riders “gave Solness a 20-length lead”, which echoed what some regular punters might have been screeching at their televisions at home. However, the counter was an insightful rebuttal that explained the tricky scenario in which the jockeys found themselves, as Davy Russell explained the winner had “worked for his lead”, while Andy McNamara and Jane Mangan claimed those in pursuit were “flat out”.

Sectionals confirm that those in behind were perfectly justified in leaving the winner to his own devices as Solness was setting a pace that ordinarily would have made him a sitting duck late on.