Promising Pair Complete Soldier Of Fortune Double

The Colin Bowe-trained General Officer (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Oscar’swan, by Oscar) prevailed in a thrilling finish to Sunday’s five-year-old maiden at Tinahely.

A promising third last time out at Kirkistown, he was reunited with James Kenny on Sunday and tracked the leaders for much of the way. Ridden approaching the turn in, he joined Captains Nephew (Mahler) after the final fence and dug deep to win by a neck, the pair drawing well clear of the rest of the field.

Bred by James Slattery, General Officer completed the first leg of a double on the day for Soldier Of Fortune, with Ask Lileen (5m Soldier Of Fortune - Trendy Native, by Overbury) later taking the mares’ maiden at Bandon.

Trained by Sam Curling for Richard Downes, she was ridden to chase the leaders by Pa King and improved to lead with six to jump. Travelling best of the field at the final fence, she kept on well to win by six lengths.

Richard Downes had extra reason to celebrate, having bought Ask Lileen’s four-year-old brother by Getaway as a foal. Bred by Mrs Mary O’Connor, the pair also have a two-year-old sister by Order Of St George.