Soldier Of Fortune Gelding Draws Clear In Maiden Hurdle

The Philip Hobbs-trained Pulling Stumps (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Pride Of The Braid, by Kayf Tara) relished a step up in trip in Thursday’s maiden hurdle at Ludlow.

A promising third at the track last month, the Highclere-owned bay was sent off favourite as he stepped up to three miles and was reunited with Tom O’Brien to make most of the running. Pushed along from three out, he was ridden approaching the final flight and kept on strongly to score by seven and a half lengths.

Pulling Stumps was bought by current connections after making a winning debut in a bumper for Mel Rowley. The son of Soldier Of Fortune was bred by Brucetown Farms.