Back To Back Wins For Son Of Soldier of Fortune

Friday saw War Soldier (5g Soldier Of Fortune - After Dark, by King’s Theatre) record back-to-back wins in the two mile Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock.

Sandy Thomson’s charge was sent off second favourite following last month’s maiden hurdle win and was once again ridden prominently by Ryan Mania. Producing a challenge after the third last, he led from the final flight and was ridden on the run-in to win by three parts of a length. Long-time leader and short-priced favourite Matata (Vadamos) took second.

Speaking after the race, Mania said, “He is slick over his hurdles and is progressing. He stays all day and we'll probably step him up to two and a half miles.”

War Soldier is owned by J Townson, M Rochie and P Thompson, for whom he made a winning start in a bumper last season. Bred by Jack Bennett, the son of Soldier Of Fortune previously placed between the flags for Warren Ewing.