Hard-fought success for battling Tin Soldier in Thurles

Although for much of the final mile it looked an unlikely success, Tin Soldier followed up his Fairyhouse success with a hard-fought victory in the Grade 3 At The Races Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle on a wintry afternoon in Thurles.

Having left it late to prevail over three miles on his Irish debut, Ruby Walsh’s decision to jump off in front over this half-mile shorter trip looked a wise move. But, he was unable to hold that position passing the stands for the first time, and was back in fifth and under strong pressure leaving the backstretch for the final time.

However, stamina is clearly his strongest suit and so well did he respond to pressure he was able to switch late on and still get up to beat the well-backed Moulin A Vent, with Champagne Classic in third.