NEWS

John Smith's sponsor Scottish Border National

Leading UK Brewer, Scottish and Newcastle UK, have recently signed a two year contract to take over the Scottish Border National and to add another prestigious race to their portfolio which includes the Aintree Grand National.  The John Smith's Scottish Borders National will be staged at the Border track on Sunday 7^th December with the first race off at 12.20pm.  Some top-notch stayers have won this in the past and last year's 25-1 hero, Keith Reveley's Rambling Minster, is among the entries again.  So too is Nigel Twiston-Davies's Petite Margot, a two-length runner-up 12 months ago. Class horse and top-weight is Len Lungo's Wild Cane Ridge, who also hold an engagement in the Welsh National. Rhona Brewis's home-bred Northumberland visitor Crackadee has already got wining form at the borders track.

“The Kelso Deal” will involve Britain’s number one Ale brand, and British Racing’s biggest commercial sponsors, John Smith's sponsoring the event for the next two year’s.  First staged in 1997 the Scottish Border’s National four mile showcase is the centrepiece of Kelso’s richest meeting of the season.

Doug Scott, Customer Marketing Manager of S&N UK said “We are delighted to suppport Kelso’s flagship meeting and help maintain John Smiths position as Britain’s number one ale brand”.

The main supporting race on Kelso’s richest card with a total of £102,000 prize money is the Peter K Dale Champion Chase and it is generously sponsored by the very well known and highly respected firm from Duns that specialise in the design and construction of Industrial Buildings, Warehousing and Indoor Riding Schools throughout the UK.  Peter Dale, the Chairman from Duns, and his partner, Philippa will be on hand to make the presentations after the race.  A strong entry for this race includes possibly Sountern Raiders from the stables of Tom George, Nigel Twisten-Davies and Ian Willliams.  Allie Tullie’s three-time course and distance heroine More Likely was not disgraced recently here behind impressive winner Hello Bud.  Pauline Robson-trained King Barry also won with ease at Kelso recently while fellow Northumberland raider, Ann Hamilton's Silver Sedge, could also make the short trip across the border.  Sue Smith and Ferdy Murphy have also laid horses out for this event.

Well known Haltwhistle builders, E Scarth & Sons sponsor the Mares Novice Hurdle in memory of Eric Scarth who founded the firm and was the owner of Champion Hurdle winner Granville Again John Scarth and his sister, Ann Oliver have sponsored at Kelso since 1995 and always bring a large party of supporters for their race day.  Joss Saville is based on the same Gisburn estate made famous by the Dickinson family and his Lanacashire raider Star Of Raven boasts excellent form. Chris Grant may run two in the race including Lucy Horner-ridden Campine Rose.

Scottish and Newcastle under the John Smith's banner are also sponsoring the John Smith's Paris Pike Novice Chase.  This race is very generously jointly sponsored by Major and Mrs Ivan Straker to remember their wonderful horse that won the Scottish National.  Ivan and Tizzy Straker will be on hand to help with the presentations after the race.  Len Lungo has already got Wilson Renwick 'sorted' for Carlisle comeback winner Skippers Brig and Role On (Nicky Richards), Rightway Star (Donald McCain)and Cast Iron Casey (Peter Monteith) are three other cracking young chasers among the entries.

Scotland’s oldest Hunt, the Royal Calendonian Hunt was founded in 1775 and received Royal patronage from King George IV in 1822.  The first running of this race at Kelso was in 1779 and there is always a strong turnout of members of the Club but they no longer wear their pink tailcoats on a race day.  Ludinda Russell won this in 2007 with Augustine and the Milnathort trainer is bidding to hold on to the prize with Prosecco. Mind you in-form Malton Jefferson may have something to say about that as he has entered recent course winner Issaquah.

The last race on the card off at 3.20 is very generously sponsored by Keith McLean Carpets of Selkirk.  Keith and his wife, Karen will be on hand for what is sure to be an incredibly competitive Maiden Hurdle.  This is a race that has featured some shock over the years including in 2004 when What's A Filly sprung a 100-1 upset in division one after the race was split. Jim Goldie's Wind Shuffle, last on his only previous try over hurdles, enjoyed five wins on the Flat this year including the Carlisle Bell while Richard Fahey-trained Bajan Pride could be another ex-Flat recruit to keep on the right side.

The first race on the card is sponsored by the Daily Record who are Media partners to all five Scottish racecourses and there marketing arm “Scottish Racing”.  The Daily Record’s Punter’s Club are doing a joint promotion with John Smiths to give the day maximum profile.  In their race there is plenty of Scottish interest in this with Lucinda Russell, Alistair Whillans, Jean McGregor, Sue Bradbrune and Harriet Graham just some of the home trainers represented. Cartmel-based Jimmy Moffatt may have the final say as he intends to run useful Hexham runner-up Pimbo Lane.

For more information:
Richard Landale: 01668 281041
Jen Young or Trish Spours: 01668 280800 

NEXT RACE MEETING:    Friday 9th January     Gates Open: 10.40am  First Race: 12.40pm