First runner at Worcester a successful one for Mullins Willie and Patrick Mullins completed a successful raid at Worcester this afternoon, claiming the AK Bets Watch All UK Racing Novices' Hurdle with Fine Margin. A winner at Fontwell in May, the Soldier Of Fortune seven-year-old was as short as 1/4 in early shows for this two-and-a-half-mile contest, eventually drifting out to a starting price of 10/11. Sent off a joint-favourite with Bob Bob Richard, the former Matt Daly-trained victor took over in front from the fourth and soon went clear. With his lead reduced from three out, the 128-rated bay needed to be kept up to his work by Patrick Mullins in the closing stages, eventually coming home three-lengths clear of his market rival. There was a further 21-length gap back to the third. Willie Mullins, who was saddling his first runner at Worcester, is now three from four with his runners across the Irish Sea this campaign.
