It has been a slow start to the season with the horses running well, without winning, but this all changed at York last Friday, when Fortification was an impressive winner of the 'Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap' over 5f. This was the first start for the yard and for his new owners 'Spring Cottage Syndicate and Joseph Bell'. He was slowly away and given a patient ride in the rear by Ben Robinson, who switched him right and made quick headway over 1f to lead towards the finish, and win by half a length.