RACING/Navan report: Solerina once again galloped her rivals into submission when repeating last year's win in the Giltspur Scientific Tara Hurdle at Navan yesterday.

Champion Hurdler Hardy Eustace made a satisfactory return to action in the Grade Two contest but had to settle for second best as James Bowe's mare gave another wonderful display of hurdling.

Gary Hutchinson soon had the 4 to 11 favourite in her customary front-running position and the mare had her rivals in trouble four from home.

Hardy Eustace tried to close before the straight but never looked likely to get on terms and kept on to finish two-and-a-half lengths off the easy winner.

"She jumped fantastic and Gary was never worried at any stage. That's her 15th consecutive win when there has been soft in the going description," said owner John Bowe.

"She'll go for the Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown. We're not concerned about dropping back to two miles provided the ground is soft. She will be entered in the Champion Hurdle but would only run if it was soft."

Conor O'Dwyer was pleased with the effort of Hardy Eustace: "I'm delighted. For his first run you couldn't ask anymore. He was a bit rusty and got tired before the last."

Sweet Kiln attempted to make all for the Bowe family in the Barry & Sandra Memorial Novice Hurdle but was comprehensively out-pointed by Petertheknot in the Grade Two contest.

The winner had finished second to Sweet Kiln three weeks ago but gained revenge when cruising up to lead at the second last and gaining an easy three-quarter-length victory under a motionless Conor O'Dwyer.

Cane Brake prevailed in the Kevin McManus Bookmakers EBF Novice Chase when putting his head back in front on the line to beat Mullacash.

Man About Town was not extended to win the Bar-One Racing Handicap Hurdle while Numbersixvalverde came home unchallenged after Catalpa Cargo fell at the last in the Wesco Electrical Handicap Chase.