Exciting Prospect Emerges For Soldier Of Fortune

Patrick Mullins revealed his high hopes for Chapeau De Soleil (5g Soldier Of Fortune - On Line Tara, by Kayf Tara) after partnering the five-year-old to an impressive maiden hurdle win at Clonmel.

The Soldier Of Fortune gelding joined the Willie Mullins team after making a winning debut for Colin Bowe at Stowlin and now carries the colours of Mrs Ricci. Runner-up on rules debut last season, he was sent off a short-priced favourite on Thursday’s hurdle bow and made all of the running in the two mile and three furlong contest. Shaken up to draw clear from the second last, he was eased down on the run-in to score by nine lengths.

“We’ve always thought an awful lot of him,” said the winning rider. “This year he looks stronger and that’s what we thought of him all along. We’re hoping he’s a Grade 1 horse — that’s what we’ve always hoped for him.”

Chapeau De Soleil becomes the first winner bred by Aidan Aherne out of the mare On Line Tara.