Soldier In Mayo showed the benefit of his promising debut third behind stablemate Bonapartes Retreat at Castletown-Geoghegan on the opening weekend of the season when he returned a month later to open his account at Damma House on just the second start of his career. Always to the fore at the Kilkenny venue, which would be one of the sharper courses on the circuit, his pace proved an asset, as although making a mistake at a crucial point of the race three fences out, he was able to regain his challenging position by the next fence, going on to hit the front approaching the final fence. He showed a great attitude to outbattle a previously placed rival and win in the style of a game performer, whilst also clocking the quickest time on the card.