Son Of Soldier Of Fortune Strikes Late For Listed Prize

Chapeau De Soleil (6g Soldier Of Fortune – On Line Tara, by Kayf Tara) stayed on strongly to win Saturday’s valuable Listed Hurdle on the final day of the Punchestown Festival.

An impressive winner of his hurdle debut, Willie Mullins’ charge left novice company for the first time with two wins from three starts over hurdles. Ridden patiently by Brian Hayes in the €100,000 contest, he made headway from two out and had ten rivals to pass approaching the final flight. He stayed on strongly on the run-in to beat Grade 1 winner Beacon Edge by a short head.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, :There wasn't that much pace on and he had a lot to do in the straight but stayed on really well. He has plenty of scope and should make a nice chaser.”

Chapeau De Soleil was purchased privately following his debut win in a four-year-old maiden for Colin Bowe, and now carries the colours of Mrs Ricci. The Soldier of Fortune gelding was bred by Aidan Aherne.