Maiden Hurdle Winner Continues Fine Run For Soldier Of Fortune

Soldante (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Dantes Firth, by Flemensfirth) stayed on strongly to beat the short-priced favourite in Tuesday’s maiden hurdle at Tramore.

Ciaran Murphy’s charge was partnered by Eoin Walsh on his hurdle bow and raced prominently throughout the two mile contest. Ridden on the turn for home, he stayed on well close home to beat the well-regarded favourite Jolie Couer Allen by half a length, with the pair drawing nine lengths clear of the third.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “I wasn't too happy when they omitted the two hurdles because essentially he is a jumper and those hurdles would have been to his benefit but he got away with it and we are delighted with that performance. He showed plenty of resolution to get the job done. His bumper form was strong - he didn't win one and was just a bit unlucky a couple of times.”

Soldante was bred by P McCormack, who now owns the promising five-year-old with David McCormack and Sarah Glynn. Previously placed in three bumpers, the Soldier Of Fortune gelding becomes the first winner out of Dantes Firth (Flemensfirth).