Soldier Of Fortune Mare Races Clear At Punchestown

The future looks bright over hurdles for Pont Aval (8m Soldier Of Fortune - Panzella, by Kahyasi) after the Willie Mullins-trained mare ran out a clear winner of Sunday’s maiden hurdle at Punchestown.

The winner of and three-times placed in bumpers, Pont Aval was sent off second favourite for the first division of the two and a half mile contest, with Paul Townend holding her up behind the leaders. Improving their position from five out, they leapt into second at the third last and led at the penultimate flight. Going clear approaching the last, they scored by nine lengths with ease.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “Pont Aval galloped the whole way to the line. She'd been doing nice work at home for the last couple of weeks.”

Owned by NG King, Pont Aval was bred by M Paul Hilger and is a full-sister to black-type hurdler Ponte Fortune (Soldier Of Fortune).