Soldier's Heart Triumphs in Ripon Champion Two-Year-Old Stakes

Soldier's Heart showcased his course familiarity to great effect by leading from start to finish in the British Stallion Studs EBF Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy Stakes.

Trainers Simon and Ed Crisford opted to return him to the six-furlong distance at Ripon, after being outpaced in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood.

Winning that conditions race effortlessly, it positioned him well against a strong field consisting of seven previous winners.

Jockey Harry Davies secured the prime rail position from stall five, and the result quickly became apparent.

Leading comfortably, Davies gradually increased the pace, and with a furlong remaining, Soldier's Heart had a commanding four-length advantage.

Benevento emerged as the closest competitor, narrowing the gap to two lengths, but was no match for the 15-8 favorite, who is now set to compete at a higher level.

Richard Fahey's Shadow Army, who was fourth in the Group One Phoenix Stakes previously, finished far behind as if something was wrong.

Davies commented on the victory: 'He's improved since his last run. He made a great start from the gates and was more aware today, unlike the previous race where he was distracted.'

'His prior experience here has clearly benefited him. Some horses struggle on their first attempt, but he has definitely progressed and handled the conditions excellently.'

'He's compact, bred for speed, and the return to six furlongs definitely favored him today.'

'He's entered in the Mill Reef (Newbury, September 21) and the Middle Park (Newmarket, September 28), and those races are now viable options. If he continues to perform like this, we'll be pleased.'

'At Goodwood in the Molecomb, he was outpaced—it was my first time riding him, and Goodwood's sharp five furlongs caught him off guard as he struggled downhill. He only started gaining ground in the final furlong.'

'We knew choosing a comfortable setting for him to regain confidence was key.'