A masterclass from Solness or a shocker from beaten jockeys? Sectionals reveal the truth in an intriguing debate
Conor Fennelly welcomes the post-race discussion following the Dublin Chase

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.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inAnother View
Last updated
- The late Aga Khan's relationship with Ireland was one of 65 years of mutual benefit
- Four-Legged Friends day at Wincanton? Just don't let my dog hear about it
- We've achieved much - but 2025 must be a year of transformative change for a sport with welfare at its heart
- Aintree and Meydan come together in Grand National-Dubai World Cup clash - here's hoping everything runs like clockwork
- Dublin has become a pilgrimage for jumps disciples - but how long will that last if Willie Mullins continues to sweep all before him?
- The late Aga Khan's relationship with Ireland was one of 65 years of mutual benefit
- Four-Legged Friends day at Wincanton? Just don't let my dog hear about it
- We've achieved much - but 2025 must be a year of transformative change for a sport with welfare at its heart
- Aintree and Meydan come together in Grand National-Dubai World Cup clash - here's hoping everything runs like clockwork
- Dublin has become a pilgrimage for jumps disciples - but how long will that last if Willie Mullins continues to sweep all before him?