Foot Soldier leads the way

Jockey Joseph O'Brien is just one winner shy of losing his 3lbs claim, having partnered his father Aidan O'Brien's Foot Soldier to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Roscommon today.

The son of Danehill Dancer raced in mid-division before making progress to challenge inside the final furlong. Long time leader Lord Jim faded to third close home while Foot Soldier came to eventually defeat Golden Halo by a head.

O’Brien Snr was absent but his son did said “Foot Soldier is tough and very genuine – it’s very tough going out there today.”

The rider, who has been struggling with his weight this year, now needs just more one winner (which will be his 95th) to lose his right to claim.

Thomas Weekes