NEWS

Kelso’s £20,000 Race Set To Attract Kalahari King

 

A New £20,000 Race heads the third fixture of the season at Kelso on Saturday 7th November with a first race time of 12.15.

Glen and Kath Lambert have stepped in to sponsor the new feature race which is a Limited Handicap to be referred to as the Mayfield Restaurant Chase. Run over 2m 1f it has been requested by the governing body to provide an opportunity for top quality two mile chasers to have a run early on in the season.  It has resulted in a very strong entry to reward this top restaurant and it’s owners, Glen and Kath Lambert, who will make the presentations to the winning connections after the race. A terrific line-up likely and headed by last season’s narrow Arkle Chase runner-up Kalahari King, trained by Ferdy Murphy.

“This is an ideal starting point for him and Graham Lee has been very happy with him since he came in from the summer,” he said. “He’s got winning form at Kelso and is an outstanding chaser that is hopefully heading back to Cheltenham in March for the Champion Chase.”

Possible rivals include Howard Johnson’s Santa’s Son, Pauline Robson’s Albanov and Sue Smith-trained Mister McGoldrick.

Well known Earlston garage Rutherford are promoting their SEAT range of impressive vehicles and sponsoring the first race which is a National Hunt Novice Hurdle.  Rutherfords very generously provide a 4 x 4 vehicle to the racecourse on each race day and we are always thankful for their generosity.  Jane Miller of Rutherfords will be on hand to make the presentations. A massive entry of 44 features Malcolm Jefferson’s McMurrough, who already been an odds-on second at Kelso and Carlisle this autumn. Lucy Normile has four entered but the Glenfarg trainer has booked Clovenfords’ Ryan Mania for the ride on Saujana.

Premier Traffic Management have been loyal  supporters of the Border track for many years, Garry Mansell is once again bringing a party racing on Saturday and has kindly sponsored the £10,000 2m 6f Handicap Chase, which in the past has featured winners such as King Harold and Hello Bud. This year Ailie’s Tullie local heroine More Likely, a mare set to retire to the paddocks in the spring, may try for her fifth Kelso strike. Ray Green’s popular stalwart Snowy is also bidding for a nap hand of course wins, after his narrow victory at Kelso’s opening meeting of the autumn.

Another Kelso regular Graeme Todd and his friends support the £8,000 Handicap Hurdle, this highly respected Edinburgh Haulage firm have been rewarded with a competitive race. Lie Forrit, trained near Hawick by Willie Amos, could bid to make amends for unseating Campbell Gillies two out at Aintree with the race at his mercy. Jimmy Moffatt’s Risk Runner, the horse that collided with Campbell, could also be back in opposition while Maurice Barnes-trained Follow On is another possible.

The very well known McClymont Family from Dumfriesshire are celebrating a birthday and have generously sponsored the 0 – 115 rated 2 mile Chase, named the Tinnis Celebration.  This race has attracted a field of 15 entries. Lucinda Russell’s horses are in decent order and she is represented by Storm Prospect and Prosecco while Yetholm's Sandy Forster will be keen on Justwhateverulike, a winner over 3m 1f at Kelso in April.

Dawn and Jimmy Goodfellow are making one of their regular Winter visits to catch up on the racing scene in the Scottish Borders. They have very generously agreed to sponsor The Treasured Memories Novices Handicap Chase to recall the happy and successful days when they trained such Kelso specialists as Ceilidah Boy and Kilcologan from their Pawston base near Yetholm. Alistair Whillans has Sotovik entered for this and at Hexham on Friday, while Nicky Richards bids for a quick course double with Lahib The Fifth, who scrambled home by a neck at Kelso last meeting.

Kelso marketing gurus Fruitful Advertising and Design have generously agreed to sponsor the seller. This forward thinking, innovative company led by Giles and Rachel Etherington will be on hand to make the presentations. This race always attracts interest, though for the last two years there has been no bid for the winner of the auction, staged by Doncaster Bloodstock Sales. Some leading trainers have an interest in this selling race. They include Peter Moneith with Bed Fellow and Solis, Irish ace Tony Martin who has pencilled in Honour The World, a horse that has been chasing recently.

The eighth and final race of this bumper card at Kelso may prove to be an interesting competition, Jimmy Moffatt's runners have been knocking on the door recently and he will fancy the chance of Itstooearly, a game second here a fortnight ago. Jimmy’s near neighbor Roger Fisher may give Rare Coincidence his 124th start and the eight-year-old has been runner-up and 8th in just two previous visits to Kelso.

As always Kelso races offer a range of superb hospitality packages starting from as little as £50 per head. Enjoy a relaxing lunch followed by 8 thrilling National Hunt races, If you are interested in making the most out of your days racing contact the Racing Office on 01668 280 800.

 

For Further Information:

 

Richard Landale :      01668 281041

Louise Grey :             01668 280800

 

Next Race Meeting:  Friday 20^th November 2009 “Countryside Day”