Son Of Soldier Of Fortune Delivers On Hurdle Bow

Soldat Forte (6g Soldier Of Fortune - Rock Me Gently, by Sulamani) continued a fine run for his sire when making a winning hurdle debut at Southwell on Wednesday.

A close fourth and second in both his bumpers, Charlie Longsdon’s charge was ridden by Brian Hughes on his first start since September. The bay raced prominently throughout the two mile maiden hurdle and was pushed along two from home. Ridden approaching the final flight, he kept on well when challenged to win by a neck.

Owned by Robert Aplin and Stratford Racecourse, Soldat Forte was bred by Barbara Kirby and is a half-brother to Grade 2 chaser Wonderwall (Yeats).