NEWS

 

 The Freeze Continues to Disrupt Horse Racing

Kelso’s first meeting of the New Year on Wednesday 13th January was abandoned at 10 o clock last Friday.  The course had to get special dispensation from the British Horseracing Authority to abandon earlier than the standard three day allowance.  This was done to help people who had booked Christmas and New Year parties.

 Plans are in hand to stage a replacement fixture but this can not be finalised until the thaw starts to take affect.  With temperatures at the racecourse having been down to minus 12 degrees and with 16 inches of snow on the track, it is going to take some time for the present snow to clear and the course to dry out. At the time of going to press Brian Meikle reported that 6 inches had already gone.

 Managing Director, Richard Landale said “ We would be delighted to host a replacement fixture, but it is premature to talk about this until we have seen the affect of the thaw, obviously the North has been far more affected than the South and will, therefore, get priority in the replacement schedule and we are ready and able to help out as soon as we can”

Although the snow has disrupted racing throughout the country it is a brilliant opportunity to preview the fixtures Kelso have scheduled for the spring and early summer.

The next scheduled fixture at Kelso is on Thursday 18th February, with a first race time of 1.40pm. Entitled Cheltenham Trials, day the meeting in February will be vitally important for trainers wanting to get a run into their horses before the Festival - after the long spell of no racing in the North. The meeting will also feature the first Hunter Chase of the Kelso season, with the point to point season in full swing this, will be an extremely exciting and competitive race.

Saturday 6th March will be Totepool Premier Hurdle day at the border track, featuring Kelso’s only graded race of the year and a £45,000 prize fund. George Charlton and this years leading Novice Chaser Knockara Beau claimed the title last year proving that quality is prevalent in Scotland. This year there will be an international addition to the field with Kelso’s first Australian trained runner taking his line up in the field.

Gorge trained by former vet to Mark Johnston, Anthony Cosgriff will be having his one and only prep race before the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March at the Border track. Gorge has previously won his maiden hurdle by 12 lengths, and finished last year by running a close - and slightly unlucky – 4th  in the 100K Lachal hurdle (2m4f) followed by another close and extremely unlucky 4th  in the 200K Grand National hurdle over 2m6½f in his native Australia. Cosgriff has had the premier Hurdle at Kelso as his target for a number of months, and will surely want to take back some prize money to contribute to that expensive plane ticket to the UK.

Monday 22nd of March features the hugely competitive Buccleuch Hunt Cup. A Maiden Hunter Chase run over 3 miles and 1 furlong, ideal for graduating point to pointers and a qualifier for the Foxhunters at Cheltenham and Aintree. The first running of  the Buccleuch Hunt Cup at Kelso was in 1779, it has since grown to become one of the most prestigious Hunter Chases in the North, and is always a furiously competitive race.

The highlight of the spring calendar is a festive mix of old fashioned glamour, country chic and sophisticated trends all on display at Kelso’s Ladies Day on Sunday 11th of April. The racecourse involves Kelso town and all the surrounding border villages in this fashion fantastic. The party begins with a best dressed window competition, with the winning shop receiving an all expenses paid trip to ladies day which includes lunch and the opportunity to judge the best turned out horse in one of the day’s races.

Along with competition prizes for the Best Dressed Lady, Best Hat and Best Couple, there will be cat walk shows throughout the day featuring an array of hats and outfits suitable for all occasions. The Boutique Marquee will feature a range of treats for the ladies throughout the day from manicures to make up re touches, champagne tasters and hand bag designers, the Boutique marquee will feature everything to make the day special.

The very popular Kelso Pavilion which is always closed for January and February will be open for the meeting on the 6th March, it is expected that the presence of the Australian runner will attract a lot of interest so if anyone is interested in booking, please get in touch with the office in Wooler on 01668 280800 or by e mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

"SSSNOINSPECTION NECESSARY !!"

  

For Further Information:

Richard Landale :      01668 281041

Louise Grey :             01668 280800

Next Race Meeting: Thurday 18th February 2010