Mullins’ Tin Soldier scores on Irish debut for Soldier Of Fortune

Ex-French performer Tin Soldier (6g Soldier Of Fortune-Everlast, by Anabaa) could be pointed towards the G1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after winning on his Irish debut at Fairyhouse on Wednesday. Willie Mullins’ charge took the maiden hurdle over an extended three miles by a length and a half under Ruby Walsh in decisive fashion. “His French form was all on soft and heavy ground but he might be better on better ground,” said Mullins. “I’m going to keep him to that trip. He’ll probably get an entry in something like the Albert Bartlett.”