NEWS

 

BORDER PRINCIPALS ADD TO FUN OF FIRST MEETING AT KELSO

The new Kelso season kicks off on Sunday 4^th October with the Radio Borders Family Fun Day. A fantastic day with REDUCED ENTRY FEES, a bumper card featuring the Border Principal race, two Pony Races, and of course seven action packed jump races.  Gates open at 12pm and the first official Nation Hunt race is due off at 2.20.  There will be bigger and better entertainment for all ages including the bungee run and the rodeo bull, all of which are free throughout the afternoon providing tremendous value for money. Race goers are recommended to arrive early as we have a fantastic supporting card, commencing at 1pm with the Border Principal Race for the Perpetual challenge trophy and two pony races for the Northern area pony racing championship kindly sponsored by Mr Duncan Davidson.

 The feature race of the day is the Support Childline Intermediate Hurdle which is very generously sponsored by Ray and Anita Green who work tirelessly for several Charities.  Childline is this years chosen charity by the Haddington couple. In the race Heez A Steel trained by George Charlton is the top rated horse closely followed by Sphinx, trained by Edwin Tuer, and a winner at Kelso’s early March fixture.

 The main supporting Hurdle race is the £8,000 Sunday Mail Hurdle where the Daily Record who print the Sunday Mail, have generously sponsored this race as part of their overall sponsorship of Kelso and Scottish Racing, this involves their very popular Punters club, and the tremendous daily coverage in the Daily Record. Maurice Barnes has enjoyed a fruitful summer on the Flat and he is represented by Soubriquet. Perhaps the most interesting entry is highly-regarded Alan Swinbank-trained Sir Boreas Hawk, who has been off the track for almost exactly two years.

 The Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course have generously sponsored the principle Steeple Chase of the afternoon to promote the Hotel and Golf Course which is soon to be further developed.  This superb venue provides amazing facilities and their party at the racecourse is part of a Birthday celebration. Ocarina represents James Ewart, who enjoyed his best season last term with 12 winners. “He’s been off the course since April 2008 and he’s looking tremendous,” said the Langholm trainer. “He’s an exciting staying chase prospect and looks very well handicapped,” added James, who also has Super Baby entered for the same race.

 The first race is off at 2.20 and has the unusual title of The Ugie House on Tour and is sponsored by Glenview Homes in Aberdeenshire who are visiting the Borders. They are taking in this race day as part of their tour. Digital Media, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies catches the eye as he reverts to hurdling after a spell over fences. Top-rated for Kelso’s first race of the autumn is Peter Monteith’s course regular Solis.

 Radio Borders will be broadcasting live from the track during the afternoon and will have several special offers for listeners. They support the Juvenile Novice Hurdle which is sure to be a very competitive event.  Listeners at the track and at home can take advantage of their involvement in what is sure to be a fantastic programme. Unfortunately there is not a lot of form to go on here but Micky Hammond’s Addison De Witt, Ann Duffield’s Berriedale, and Donald McCain’s Marsool have all been in the winners’ enclosure this term. An interesting entry is Howard Johnson’s Stormy Weather, a horse owner Graham Wylie is looking forward to running over hurdles.

 Robert Weir of City Roofing Ltd, the highly respected roofing and building contractors of Portobello High Street in Edinburgh, are sponsoring the first bumper of the season at Kelso and are bringing a strong party from Edinburgh to celebrate the day. This is a fascinating race with plenty of well-touted sorts including Jurisdiction, who has moved to Rose Dobbin since an emphatic bumper win at Newton Abbot in the spring. Howard Johnson has penciled in a couple of possibilities, Chicago Outfit and Monogram, while Paul Revere and Priceless Art fly the flag for Nicky Richards and Alan Swinbank respectively.

 John Smiths and Belhaven Brewery have both very generously helped to provide the prizes for the Border Principal race which will be the culmination of each Principals year in office.  All the contestants have been vetted by the Jockey Club in their preliminary trial and this year’s event is sure to be more competitive than ever. There will be fierce competition between the three girls taking  part, who are trying to get back to winning ways after the boys have won the past 4 out of 5 runnings.

 Two heats of the Charles Owen Pony Races will take part with George Innes Ker tipped to repeat last years victory on his very quick pony Clonross Star, however Jack Brown who is leading the 138cm Championship will surely give him a run for his money with Simply Simon. In the other division  Alex French is looking to follow up his victory at Mussleburgh with Tennants Super and secure the 148cm Northern Area Championship.

 SIS sponsor the second Chase of the day and this International firm who provide the television coverage to Sky Television have been rewarded with a very competitive event. Brian Hughes has already been booked for Troodos Jet by Cumbrian trainer Dianne Sayer, while Tim Pitt has secured the services of Phil Kinsella for Palos Conti. Stroud-based trainer Tom George may be tempted to give a chasing debut to his recent Uttoxeter hurdle winner Blossom King.

 Daily entrance charges to the Border track have been REDUCED for this season to help race goers through the present recession. This reduced entrance makes the day even better value, with the extra races and the free entertainment, the day will culminate in exceptional value for any family going racing – We will look forward to seeing you at Kelso on Sunday 4^th October.

For Further Information:

Richard Landale: 01668 281 041

Louise Grey:          01668 280 800

NEXT RACE MEETING:           Saturday 17^th October Borders Barmy Army Day