Soldier Of Fortune Gelding Follows Up In Novice Hurdle

Go To War (6g Soldier Of Fortune – Rate Of Knots, by Saddlers’ Hall) returned to record back-to-back course and distance wins at Ludlow on Thursday.

Fergal O’Brien’s charge ran out a clear winner in December and was sent off favourite to defy a penalty in the two mile Novices’ Hurdle. Ridden prominently by Paddy Brennan. The bay drew clear with one rother rival turning for home and led at the final flight. Keeping on well on the run-in, he won by three lengths, with the front pair finishing 23 lengths clear of the remainder.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “He travelled, jumped well and I was very pleased with him. The way he did it from the second-last was very good.”

The Grant Leon-owned gelding is now a three-time winner, having made a winning debut in a bumper. Bred by Grove View Stud, the son of Soldier Of Fortune was bought by Aidan and Bobby O’Ryan at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale for €100,000.