Brave Fortune much the best for the Doyles Well-supported into 6/5 favouritism (from 3s in early shows), Brave Fortune comfortably accounted for his five rivals in the www.roscommonracecourse.ie Beginners Chase. Successful on his sole point-to-point start and a dual winner over flights, the Soldier Of Fortune six-year-old was third on his most recent outing at Tipperary last month. Trained by Pat Doyle and ridden by his son Jack, the bay victor raced in mid-division early on, improving into a much closer second with just over a circuit to go. In a share of the lead from four out, he gained an outright advantage after the next and was ridden clear before the final fence, eventually coming home seven-and-a-half lengths to the good after jumping well throughout. On his first start since September, the Willie Mullins-trained Uncle Pat (2/1) finished a gallant second under Anna McGuinness, with his stable companion Luckinthecity another 11-lengths away in third. "It set up lovely. They went a good gallop early and then they slowed up halfway," the winning rider reflected. "He jumped and travelled and picked up well down to the third last. I probably got going a little bit early on him but he hit the line good and strong. "He's a horse we always liked but he's just after taking a bit of time to mature. "He loves that ground and there is a nice day in him somewhere. As long as the ground stays nice, and he's in one piece, we'll keep going with him for another bit anyway." Additional reporting by Gary Carson
