Soldier Of Fortune Four-Year-Old Wins On Hurdle Bow

Sunday saw Tommie Gun (4g Soldier Of Fortune - Hollygrove Samba, by Accordion) justify strong market support on his hurdle debut at Southwell.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge finished second in a Newbury bumper last time out and remained over two miles in Sunday’s maiden hurdle. Racing in touch under Sam Twiston-Davies, he made headway from three out and was pushed along to lead at the second last. Ridden when challenged soon after, he kept on well on the run-in to win by a length and a quarter, with another 17 lengths back to the third.

Tommie Gun was bought by Willy Twiston-Davies as a three-year-old for £70,000 and is now owned by Graham and Alison Jelly. Bred by Cyril O’Hara, he is a half-brother to black-type stablemate Gowel Road (Flemensfirth) and Grade 1 winner Captain Cutter (Westerner).