Soldier Of Fortune Gelding Strikes On Rules Debut

Kerryhill (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Highland Flower, by Oscar) shaped like a smart prospect when beating the well-regarded favourite in Saturday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso.

The Soldier Of Fortune gelding sold to Tom Malone and Ruth Jefferson for £115,000 after winning his second start for Colin McKeever. He was well-supported ahead of the extended two mile and six furlong contest, with the market headed by last month’s impressive hurdle debutante Cadell (Mahler). Chasing the leaders under Brian Hughes, the bay was shaken up to lead after the second last and was ridden when challenged on the run-in. Keeping on well close home, he beat the aforementioned favourite by three parts of a length, with the pair finishing nine and a half lengths clear of the third.

The promising five-year-old was bred by Mrs Deborah Hobson.