In the world of racing, resilience is often what defines success more than anything else. Trainer Fionn McSharry is living proof of that spirit as she prepares her stable star, Sol Cayo, for his biggest test yet in the prestigious Old Newton Cup at Haydock Park this Saturday. This time last year, she was in hospital after a frightening accident involving the very same horse she’s now sending to one of the summer’s showpiece races.
The incident last October was one she won’t forget. Sol Cayo became agitated while being loaded, and as McSharry tried to calm him down in the cramped space, she was seriously injured. Pulled out semi-conscious by her father, she was left with severe facial wounds, a badly broken nose, and an open fracture in her arm. The situation was so grave she needed to be airlifted to hospital to treat potential head injuries.
Despite the trauma and the need for ongoing surgery, McSharry has returned to training with remarkable determination. Her recovery has been supported not just by family and friends but by the broader racing community. Facilities like Jack Berry House played a critical role in getting her back on her feet, offering immediate and ongoing help throughout her rehabilitation.
Back at her Yorkshire yard, McSharry continued to put in the hard work, guiding Sol Cayo to multiple victories since purchasing him for 22,000 guineas at a training sale. The five-year-old has matured impressively, both physically and mentally. His most recent win at Pontefract was especially rewarding, coming on his first attempt at a mile and a half—a distance he seemed to relish.
What stands out about Sol Cayo is his adaptability. He can run from the front but doesn’t have to force the pace, making him a versatile runner ready for the competitive field at Haydock Park. McSharry’s careful approach to his training—taking time to develop him without rushing—has paid off, giving him the foundation to compete at this level.
For McSharry, this weekend is about more than just competition; it represents a personal triumph over adversity. Managing a small, close-knit yard of around 30 to 40 horses, she’s determined to maintain the individual care and turnout that sets her training philosophy apart. It’s a model built on quality over quantity, and Sol Cayo is a prime example of its success.
As the Old Newton Cup Festival reaches its final day on Saturday, the stakes are high and the atmosphere electric. But for McSharry, simply having a horse ready to compete against some of the sport’s top yards is an achievement to savour. Victory would be the perfect ending to a story that proves resilience and community support can help overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
