NEWS

 Champion Hurdle Favourite at Kelso 
 

Nicky Henderson has confirmed that ZAYNAR the present champion hurdle favourite who is unbeaten over hurdles is scheduled to have his final preparation race for the Champion Hurdle at Kelso on Thursday 18th February in the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle.

 Last year’s Triumph Hurdle hero, who was bred by the Aga Khan, is unbeaten in five starts over timber since joining the Seven Barrows team from French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre.

Henderson said: “I love my trips to Kelso and this race is the ideal Festival stepping-stone for Zaynar. We will probably leave the cheekpieces off and keep them up our sleeve for Cheltenham.”

“Sometimes when a race hot’s up he can get tapped for toe for ten strides but he tends to hit flat spots and does genuinely stay.”

 

Zaynar is owned by the Men In Our Position syndicate headed by bookmaker Victor Chandler and spokesman Neal Wilkins said:

 “He’s fit and well and heading for Kelso on February 18. He’s a good worker at home and Nicky is pleased with his progress.”

“Time wise this race fits in perfectly so when we decided to run him we also thought it would be nice to sponsor it as well - now Victor wants to win our own prize money back!”

Due to the inclusion of the Morebattle into this card the first race has been brought forward to 1.10pm from the original scheduled start time of 1.40pm. Gates will therefore open at 11.10am with the Morebattle hurdle run at 3.20pm.

Timeform have very generously stepped in to sponsor the feature chase on the card off at 2.45pm, the Amateur rider’s 2m6f handicap which is known as a Kim Muir trial for the Cheltenham festival. Timeform, the internationally known printers have recently taken over the production of the Kelso race card. Every race card will now include Timeform ratings which will give all race goers a gauge of the runners recent form, and hopefully a better opportunity to increase their winnings!  Some local favorites could be in the line-up including Simon Shirley-Beavan’s popular mare Minouchka, Tim Walford’s Sheriff Hutton and Lucinda Russell’s Breakwater House.

 Ian Middlemass and his family have stepped up to sponsor the beginners chase to celebrate his parent’s Golden Wedding anniversary. This memorable event will provide a very happy family reunion and Ian’s parents will be on hand to do the presentation after what promises to be a very hotly contested race. James Ewart’s Classic Cut has winning Kelso form over hurdles while Primrose Time was shaping well over fences for Lucy Normile before the big freeze set in.

 The Coppola family who have been great supporters of the border track have agreed to sponsor the Hunter Chase, which is run for the Colonel Monteith Trophy. The Coppola family have been stalwart owners with Peter Monteith’s successful stable in Dalkieth and this race is sponsored in the name of their three Grandchildren Reece, Ben & Jessica. Galashiels raider Natiain, now back with Alistair Brown after a spell with Stuart Coltherd, could make a return to Kelso under Rules. The 11-year-old has won seven hunter chases, including five at the borders venue, and nine point to points. Roger Green’s mare Anshan Spirit is another regular in this grade and has four course wins to her name.

 A group of the Kelso Annual Members have contributed towards the prize money for the opening two mile Novice Hurdle on the card. Every year the Annual members have the opportunity to become race sponsors for a day to sample the delights and benefits race sponsorship brings. Approximately 30 members have taken up the opportunity and will enjoy the full facilities, joining in with winning presentations and celebrating in the occasion. The weather prevented Malcolm Jefferson from giving Betterthanlikely a debut run and this could be an ideal opening for this well-bred Presenting gelding. Brecongill trainer Joss Saville may also give Amical Risks his first spin over hurdles.

 William Hill the UK’s leading Book maker sponsor at Kelso for the first time to coincide with the opening of their new betting shop in the town. Derek Thomson the famous Channel 4 presenter is coming up to open the shop, and is then commentating at Kelso during the afternoon. He will be on hand to entertain the William Hill guests and provide an overview of the Champion Hurdle, having seen the favourite perform during the afternoon. This exciting contest may see Donald Whillans be tempted into running Leith Walk again after he supplied amateur rider son Callum with a first success at Musselburgh recently. Sue Bradburne's Safin is another that ran well last time, in his case when a gallant fourth at Newcastle.

 
For Further Information:

 

Richard Landale :      01668 281041

Louise Grey :             01668 280800

 

 

Next Race Meeting: Saturday 6^th March 2010 “Totepool Premier Hurdle Day”