Rules Debutante Completes Double For Soldier Of Fortune

Moon Over Mexico (6g Soldier Of Fortune – St Gregory, by Presenting) made a perfect start for new connections when running out a game winner of Tuesday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Newcastle.

The Soldier Of Fortune gelding joined Charlie Longsdon following his maiden win at Dromahane for Colin Bowe, and was well-supported ahead of his rules debut. Racing prominently throughout under Brian Hughes, he was ridden from two out and dug deep to assert in the final 110 yards. The bay continued to battle to the line, where he denied the favourite by a neck.

Owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, Moon Over Mexico is the first foal bred by out of St Gregory. He is a half-brother to four-year-old maiden winner Honky Tonk Highway (Milan), who sold for £165,000 in November.

Moon Over Mexico completed a double on the day for his in-form sire, with Mag Dillane (6m Soldier Of Fortune – Gaillimh A Chroi, by Flemensfirth) having earlier gotten off the mark at Fairyhouse.

The Eric McNamara-trained mare boasted previous course form and was sent off second favourite for the mares’ maiden hurdle. Settled in midfield by Mark McDonagh, she improved to challenge on the turn for home and led approaching the final flight. She was pushed out on the run-in to score by two and a quarter lengths.

Bred by Tony Harrington, Mag Dullane is owned by John Leahy and Rhona Buckley.