Impressive Newcomer Continues Fine Run For Soldier Of Fortune

Liberty Dance (4f Soldier Of Fortune - Didn’t I Tell You, by Docksider) emerged as a smart prospect on Saturday when running out an impressive winner of the mares’ bumper at Fairyhouse.

Sent off favourite for the two mile contest under Jamie Codd, the Gordon Elliott-trained bay made headway from halfway and was pushed along to lead from two furlongs out. Drawing clear approaching the final furlong, she scored by seven and a half lengths from Clairmc (Walk In The Park).

“She’s a nice mare and looks one for the future,” Elliott late commented. “We might look for a Listed race but she won’t do too much this year.”

Bought by Bobby and Aidan O’Ryan as a store for €54,000, Liberty Dance is owned by Tim O’Driscoll. Bred by Mrs CE Norton, she continues an exciting start by Soldier Of Fortune’s first crop of four-year-olds since moving to The Beeches Stud.

At Newcastle the previous day, War Soldier (4g Soldier Of Fortune - After Dark, by King’s Theatre) made a winning rules debut for Sandy Thomson in the two mile bumper.

Positioned in midfield by Edward Austin, the bay improved to lead from two furlongs out and was ridden inside the final furlong to win by a length. Owned by J Townson, M Roche and P Thompson, War Soldier was building on a fine third in a four-year-old maiden on his final start for Warren Ewing. The progressive type was bred by Jack Bennett.