Black Type Soldier Of Fortune Mare Takes Maiden Hurdle

Talented bumper mare Liberty Dance (5m Soldier Of Fortune - Didn’t I Tell You, by Docksider) justified strong market support to win the Mares Maiden Hurdle at Thurles on Thursday.

Twice a winner and Grade 2 placed on all her starts last season, the Gordon Elliott-trained mare is evidently held in high regard, having made her hurdle debut in a Grade 3 last month. Reunited with Jack Kennedy at Thurles, she raced prominently throughout the two mile contest and asserted with ease at the second last. Shaken up approaching the final furlong, she was ridden clear on the run-in to win by a comfortable four and a half lengths.§

“It was a good performance,” Elliott later commented. “She is a nice mare and I'd say when she gets further she will be better.”

The daughter of Soldier Of Fortune is owned by Tim O’Driscoll and was bred by Mrs CE Norton.