John Smith’s back the first race of the day which is off at 2.20pm and is the John Smith’s No Nonsense Handicap Hurdle Race which is likely to attract a very competitive field. East Lothian owner Ray Green is targeting Bene Lad at this race following a success for the gelding at Kelso’s early April meeting for the Jim Goldie-trained gelding. Other possible contenders include George Charlton’s Heez A Steel and Ailie Tullie-trained More Likely. Charles Church, the prestige arm of Persimmon Homes, the countries largest house builder sponsor the £10,000 Novice Chase. Charles Church has grown to establish itself as one of the country’s foremost housebuilding brands whilst maintaining its unrivalled reputation for the design and quality of the homes it builds. Duncan Davidson, Life President of Persimmon Homes will be on hand to do the presentations. Maurice Barnes, the man who rode Scotland’s only Grand National winner Rubstic in 1979, is a great supporter of Kelso as a trainer and this race looks perfect for Lord Samposin. Cupid’s Mission, trained at Greendale near Hawick by Alan Mactaggart is also suited by conditions of the race.

One of Edinburgh’s most respected firm of accountants, Andrew Hamilton and Company has selected Kelso Racecourse to celebrate their Silver Anniversary and they are going out of their way to celebrate and thank everyone who was involved with the birth of the company 25 years ago. Andrew Hamilton himself, who has helped a considerable number of people very successfully in the racing world will be on hand to make the presentations to the winning connections. Andrew Parker’s, Harlov 13-year-old has been a familiar sight at Kelso for many seasons and he’s set to return to handicapping following a spell in hunter chase company which saw him placed on three occasions. Other possibles include borders-trained trio Prince Mouse (Willie Amos), Cavers Glen (Alistair Whillans) and Skenfirth (Sandy Forster).

John Smith’s also sponsor the fourth race on the card which is a new innovation to Kelso, a Selling Chase, which was requested by trainers who frequently attend Kelso. Doug Scott and Paul Burns from Scottish and Newcastle, the trading name of John Smith’s is heading up the breweries team. French-bred Galahad has had no luck so far over fences and hurdles but Brian Storey remains confident he can find a race and he is worth a second look as he drops into selling company for the first time. One of Kelso’s most loyal supporters, the Nicholson Brothers, the much respected electrical contractors from Grange Road in Edinburgh are sponsoring the Novice Handicap Hurdle and will have their usual large and happy party of customers and guests. Billy Nicholson himself will be making the presentations after the race. Ray Green reports that he’s hoping to see the Peter Monteith-trained Classy Chav return in this following a 14-month lay-off and his colours may also be carries by Len Lungo’s Find Me. The second last race on the card is a Hunters Steeple Chase, always a popular race for the locals of the Borders Track . In this race Sonara Moss, Donati and Uncle Neil could all make the line –up for this new event at Kelso.

The last race on the card at 5.20pm is a Handicap Hurdle Race run over 2M 2F and this race could attract the likes of Karathaena, a mare trained near York by Mike Sowersby and he may bid to build on an excellent third over course and distance in April while Bollin Ruth is a possible for Hawick handler Donald Whillans.

There are limited places available in the Pavilion Marquee on the last day of the season, Wednesday 21st May, so for your last opportunity to entertain clients please ring the Racecourse office on 01668 280 800 to reserve your table.