Exciting Novice Hurdler Emerges For Soldier Of Fortune

Redstone (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Kilbarry Gem, by Bob’s Return) earned quotes for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle after beating a Grade 1 performer on his rules debut.

The Soldier Of Fortune gelding looked to have every chance when falling at the last at Oldtown, and given that the winner later sold for £225,000, presumably made a pretty penny when sold privately by Ian Donoghue. Now trained by Gavin Cromwell for Alymer Stud, he was well-supported ahead of the two mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse, though Grade 1 Champion Bumper third King Of Kingsfield (Vadamos) was sent off a short-priced favourite. Travelling strongly throughout under Keith Donoghue, he improved into second on the turn for home and joined the aforementioned leader after the second last. Donoghue waited until the final flight to make his move and soon led, pushing Redstone out to win by a comfortable half a length, with the pair finishing 17 lengths clear of their rivals.

“I've always liked Redstone,” said Cromwell after the race. “It was nice to do that today and you wouldn't have thought the inside track here would be the ideal place for him as he's a big horse. He's going to be a very nice horse in time but you probably won't see the best of him until he goes over fences.”

Monday’s performance saw Redstone introduced to the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle market at 33/1. Bred by Con O’Keeffe, the son of Beeches Stud sire Soldier Of Fortune is a half-brother to Grade 3 winning hurdler Kilbarry Chloe (Mahler).