Oaks Soldier justifies favouritism in first at Cork The Eamon Courtney trained Oaks Soldier recorded a first career success when keeping on well to take the opening Leisure Dome Ltd. Marquee Hire Maiden Hurdle at Cork. Sent off 13/8f under Carl Millar, the Valerie Courtney owned gelding was stepping up on a second placed finish at Thurles last month. Held up in mid division, the son of Soldier Of Fortune closed on the leaders entering the straight. Heading Jackmoon after jumping the last, the six-year-old held the renewed effort of the latter to win by a neck. Eamon Courtney said: "He has shown us that at home and was unlucky when beaten by just a nose the last day at Thurles. Carl gave him a lovely patient ride and the plan was to come late. "Hopefully there is better to come although that'll probably be it for this season as he has enough done." He added: "I won this race two years with a relation (Arion Solider) of this horse and also had this horse's dam Rossdara as well. Jimmy Mangan has foaled Rossdara and always said that these last couple were her best, and she was covered again yesterday. "Philip O'Brien (ex-amateur jockey) is with me and we have a great working relationship - Philip does all the work and I take all the credit! The horse is named after my hotel The Oaks in Killarney and we're happy out." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
