Soldier Of Fortune Gelding Impresses Townend In Novice Hurdle

Chapeau De Soleil (6g Soldier Of Fortune – On Line Tara, by Kayf Tara) produced a smart performance to make it two from three over hurdles at Navan on Saturday.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding drew clear on his hurdle bow in December and was sent off joint-favourite as he returned to heavy ground in Saturday’s Novice Hurdle. Last as they turned for home, he was switched right to challenge when becoming short of room after the second last and led after the final flight. Keeping on well under Paul Townend, he led by four and a quarter lengths on the line.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “I thought Chapeau De Soleil quickened nicely on that ground, which is a hard thing to do today, and impressed me. He jumped more professionally and raced more professionally today.”

Chapeau De Soleil is owned by Mrs S Ricci, having been purchased privately following his debut win in a four-year-old maiden for Colin Bowe. The Soldier Of Fortune gelding was bred by Aidan Aherne.