Veteran Soldier battles well for fifth career win Kilmurray's Homevalue Hardware Mullingar Handicap Chase went to the Jack Foley-ridden Definite Soldier at odds of 9/1. The 12-year-old, for whom it was a fifth career victory, was handy throughout and made the best of his way home on the long run from the second last. Ask Nile (7/1) looked a danger on the outside at the last but found little as the winner stayed on resolutely to score by three and a half lengths. Desire De Joie (12/1) took third while a morning plunge on Dream Conti was to no avail as he came home in seventh. The John Kinsella-trained winner had been pulled up on his previous start at Ballinrobe, but on his penultimate outing had again got the better of Ask Nile over course and distance when 6lb out of the handicap. With the help of Foley’s valuable allowance, he was actually meeting the runner-up on 5lb better terms on this occasion. “He obviously likes it around here," said Foley. "He had a low weight today and travelled into it well and jumped super. “John was confident beforehand about him and said he was in great form. “It’s great to get another winner. It’s been a lucky track for me and that’s my fifth winner here from six rides.” Quotes from Alan Magee
