Smart Newcomer Continues Fine Run For Soldier Of Fortune

Midnight Soldier (4g Soldier Of Fortune - Midnight Macarena, by Midnight Legend) added to a terrific few days for his sire when making a winning debut in Wednesday’s bumper at Fontwell.

Christian Williams’ charge was travelling well behind the leaders on the turn for home and was shaken up to lead entering the final furlong. Running on well under Jack Tudor, the bay scored by three lengths and three quarters from the even-money favourite Don’t Stop Now (Champs Elysees).

Owned by the Christian Williams Racing Club, Midnight Soldier was bred by Thomas Mulhern. He joins an impressive list of four-year-old winners by Soldier of Fortune this year- his first crop conceived at the Beeches Stud.

This, no doubt, had some influence on Soldier Of Fortune’s popularity at the Goffs Land Rover Sale, where one of his daughters sold to Gerry Hogan for €100,000- the second highest price for a filly at the sale. Ballycurragh Stud gave €82,000 for a Soldier Of Fortune gelding from Peter Nolan Bloodstock, while Matt Coleman and Jonjo O’Neill went to €80,000 for Lot 301 from Glenvale Stud.