Soldier Of Fortune Newcomer Finishes Strongly At Punchestown

The Midwife (5m Soldier Of Fortune - Thespian, by Tiraaz) continued her sire’s fruitful period between the flags on Sunday when making a winning debut in the Mares’ Maiden at Punchestown point-to-point.

Ridden by Luke Murphy, the well-related newcomer raced in midfield in the early stages and took closer order from halfway. Showing a good turn of foot when asked two from home, she led approaching the final fence and quickened clear on the run-in to score by three lengths. Seasmoke (Flemensfirth) finished second, with another six lengths back to the third.

The Midwife is trained by John Murphy, who also shares the title of owner/breeder with his wife Miriam Murphy. Their homebred’s perfect start comes a week after Soldier Of Fortune sired a trio of point-to-point maiden winners.