This year’s Ebor Festival will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sole Power's stunning return to form at York, where he reclaimed his Nunthorpe crown. Trainer Eddie Lynam recalls the moment vividly.
Lynam was already a prominent trainer when Sole Power, a son of Kyllachy, began his career in 2009. Despite the early challenges, Lynam quickly saw the horse’s potential. “We knew he was talented, it was just about teaching him to race,” Lynam said. As Sole Power matured, he improved significantly, with experienced jockeys like Johnny Murtagh and Richard Hughes guiding him.
Sole Power’s first visit to York was in the St Leger Yearling Stakes, finishing third. After being gelded, he started to excel, winning at Dundalk and placing in the Palace House Stakes, which set his sights on the Nunthorpe. Despite some lacklustre performances leading up to it, Lynam was encouraged by owner David Power to take a chance.
In 2010, Sole Power, a 100-1 long shot, clinched a surprise victory in the Nunthorpe, overcoming the favourite Starspangledbanner. “It was a brilliant performance,” Lynam noted, recalling the excitement of the win despite some doubts leading up to the race.
Sole Power missed the 2011 Nunthorpe due to ground conditions and had mixed results in subsequent years, including a close third place in 2013. Lynam felt the 2013 Nunthorpe was a missed opportunity, as Sole Power finished behind Jwala and Shea Shea despite a strong ride.
By 2014, Sole Power was in peak form, having won the Palace House and King’s Stand earlier that year. As an 11-4 favourite, he delivered a sensational late surge to win the Nunthorpe, despite an imperfect preparation. “He showed how good he was with that win,” Lynam said.
Sole Power raced in the Nunthorpe two more times, finishing fourth in 2015 and eighth in 2016, before retiring after a final run in Dubai. Now 17, he enjoys a comfortable retirement at Horse Park Stud in County Wicklow. “He’s living well and enjoying his retirement,” Lynam said. “We had amazing times with him and hope to return to York with another great horse someday.”