Improving Soldier Of Fortune Gelding Wins Maiden Hurdle

A step up in trip proved just the trick for Charming Fortune (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Belle River, by Shantou) as he gained a deserving win in Friday’s maiden hurdle at Sligo.

The Soldier of Fortune gelding was bought by Gavin Cromwell for £120,000 following his debut second for Cian Hughes and went on to finish third in a bumper on rules debut. Third on his hurdle bow earlier this month, he stepped up to two and a half miles on Friday and raced in midfield for much of the way under Joey Dunne. He made headway with two flights left to jump and was ridden to lead on the run-in, running on well to score by three and a half lengths.

“He stayed on really well,” Dunne later commented. “He did his best work at the end and hit the line strong. His work is really good at home and I think he can go on from this.”

Charming Fortune is the first foal bred by Ballinaroone Stud out of Belle River, who has a four-year-old full-sister yet to race.