Soldier Of Fortune Gelding Bolts Up On Hurdle Bow

Lieutenant Mayne (5g Soldier Of Fortune – Tudor Fashion, by Presenting) has an exciting season ahead, judging by his impressive hurdle debut at Naas on Sunday.

Purchased privately after a promising debut for Brian Hamilton, the Soldier Of Fortune gelding won his first two starts in bumpers for John McConnell and was sent off favourite on his hurdling debut. The bay jumped well out in front and began to ease clear from the second last, going on to score by 16 lengths under Ben Harvey.

Speaking after the race, John McConnell commented: “We knew he was a nice horse and anything he was doing in bumpers was going to be a bonus. He jumps super. We'll go baby steps with him and try to find a novice hurdle, maybe across the water and then step him up in grade.”

Bred by Daryl Deacon, Lieutenant Mayne is owned by the McNeill and Stone families.