Soir De Garde

That breakthrough came at Tramore in April 2025, and the way it happened matters. Jockey Jody Townend described Soir De Garde as a little wayward early — "a bit skew-ways" over the first few — but once it settled, everything clicked. The jumping turned slick, the pace was controlled, and the race went exactly to plan. Townend was also clear that the ground played a role: soft, wet conditions suited this horse, and she does not think it is the type to grind through heavy mud for the sake of it. That is useful information. It suggests Soir De Garde has preferences, and when those preferences are met, it can deliver.

The family background adds another layer. Soir De Garde is a half-brother to State Man, one of the best horses in training in recent years. Back in November 2024, Mullins watched it finish second at Punchestown and saw enough to be encouraged — it tired late, he said, but it was still well clear of third, and he believed improvement was coming. That assessment has since been vindicated, at least in part.

The Mullins yard itself is operating at a remarkable level this season — 230 winners sent out, which in practical terms means this is one of the busiest and most successful training operations in the sport right now. Horses from Muine Bheag tend to be placed with care, and Soir De Garde has been given time to find its feet. At eight years old, it is not a young horse by any measure, but its record of consistent placing and one well-executed win suggests there may still be more to come, particularly when the ground comes up soft and the conditions fall in its favour.