Solar eclipses rivals to land first win since festival victory three years ago

It has been a long time between drinks for Solar Impulse but he bounced back to winning ways for the first time in more than three years when comfortably landing the first division of the 2m3½f handicap hurdle.

In his prime, the nine-year-old managed to take the spoils in the 2016 Grand Annual Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival for Paul Nicholls, but plenty of water has flowed under the proverbial bridge since and this victory was his first since that Grade 3 success.

Solar Impurlse is now trained by Ian Williams, who said: “Most of these older horses have had their issues and he's no exception, but he showed a willing attitude this time and the fast early pace has definitely helped his because as he can be a bit keen and free-going.