Soir De Garde

His record reads two wins and six places from seven races, a win rate of roughly 1 in every 3.5 outings, which is a healthy return at any level. More striking is how the wins have arrived. His first came at Tramore in April 2025, and his second followed at Wexford just this week — with three runs in between where he placed but did not win. That kind of bunched form can suggest a horse growing into itself, getting sharper and more confident with each outing.

The Wexford win is the one to focus on. Jockey Jody Townend described his first win — at Tramore — in terms that paint a picture of a horse who was raw but teachable: a bit awkward early on, then settled beautifully, jumping with real slickness once he relaxed. Townend was clear that fast, dry ground suits him and that he is not the type to grind through heavy conditions. That is useful information. It means when the ground is right, this horse can be sharp and efficient rather than simply muscling his way through.

He is also a half-brother to State Man, one of the best horses in training, which tells you the talent is in the family even if Soir De Garde has taken his own path to the top. Mullins noted back in late 2024 that he would need to improve, but added pointedly that he believed the horse could — and two wins in quick succession suggests he was right. At 8 years old, horses often know themselves better than they did at 4 or 5, and Soir De Garde looks like one who has finally clicked into gear at exactly the right time.