Noureev Becomes The Latest Winner By Soldier Of Fortune

A step up in trip saw Noureev (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Lana Jolie, by Whipper) gain his first win in the Ardfinnan Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel on Tuesday.

Mark Enright took the ride and positioned his mount behind the leaders for much of the two mile and three furlong contest. Taking closer order approaching the turn for home, he improved to lead with two hurdles left to jump and was driven clear from before the last. Ridden out on the flat, he stayed on to beat Chapati by a length and a quarter, with a further half a length back to the favourite in third.

Trained by Gearoid O’Loughlin for Chris Jones, the winner may now enjoy a summer break, according to O’Loughlin, who said, “He has loads of ability and he is definitely genuine but it has taken a while for the penny to drop. He jumps like a chaser and he has schooled over fences.”

Bred by Christopher Liesack, Noureev was bought by agent Mags O’Toole for €80,000 at the Goffs Landrover Sale from Kilminfoyle House Stud. Owner Chris Jones has enjoyed previous success with the progeny of Soldier Of Fortune, most notably when winning the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle with Mega Fortune (Soldier Of Fortune).