Soldier Of Fortune Mare Draws Clear To Bumper Win

Cash The Cheque (4f Soldier Of Fortune - Blessingindisguise, by Luso) built on last month’s promising second to run out a commanding winner of the mares’ bumper at Sligo on Thursday.

Fifth on debut, Anthony McCann’s charge chased home £210,000 buy Encanto Bruno (Mahler) last month and stepped up to two miles and two furlongs on her third start. Chasing the leaders under Aine O’Connor, she asserted with ease approaching the turn for home and was ridden out approaching the final furlong, running on to score by five and a half lengths. The well-supported Double Pink (Walk In The Park) finished second on her first start for Willie Mullins, while Lady Of The Vale (Ocovango) completed a 1-2-3 for Coolmore NH sires.

“She’s good, well above average,” McCann commented after the race. “She’s come on with every run. She’s a little bit more mature now and Aine gave her a superb ride. She might go for a winners’ bumper.”

Raced by the Anynamewilldo Syndicate, the daughter of Soldier Of Fortune was bred by Anthony Keane Junior. She is a half-sister to three-time winner Beaufort West (Getaway) and has a three-year-old half-brother by Mahler, who sold to Monbeg Stables for €70,000 at this year’s Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale.