Soldier Of Fortune Four-Year-Old Tops Cheltenham Sale

Soldier Of Fortune’s fine run between the flags was felt in the sales ring on Thursday, as smart four-year-old winner Oak Grove (4g Soldier Of Fortune - Side Saddle, by King’s Theatre) topped the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale at £250,000.

Rob James’ charge was last off the bridle at Oldcastle earlier this month and showed a game attitude to deny a strong challenge close home, a performance which made him one of the expected highlights of the sale. Philip Hobbs made a bold bid to secure the bay, but the hammer eventually fell in favour of Fergal O’Brien, who later revealed he was acting on behalf of owner Chris Giles.

“We loved the horse when we first saw him,” O’Brien said. “He seemed to win a very competitive point-to- point. He is the one we came here to buy.”

There was also plenty to like about the debut performance of Fortified Fortune (4g Soldier Of Fortune - Gleanntan, by Lil’s Boy) at Liscarroll last month, where he rallied gamely to be denied a head on the line. The promise shown saw the James Doyle-consigned bay sell to trainer Christian Williams and owner Chris Trembath for £115,000.