SUNDAY 3RD OCTOBER
Gates open 12.20pm
First Race 2.20pm
NEWS
Charity to benefit from Second race day at Kelso
Racing returns to the Border track for its second meeting of the season on Saturday 17th October. With the first race off at 2.20, gates open at 12.20 pm. A very novel Charity race will be staged at 1.10 pm to commence the proceedings.
The feature race on a very competitive seven race card, is the Ship Inn at Dalkeith Handicap Chase for the Marshall Trophy, with a total prize fund of £10,000. David and Margaret Logan have been hugely supportive of Kelso, having sponsored for a considerable number of years. This year they celebrate by bringing two parties of their customers from their tremendously popular Ship Inn. Ailie Tullie’s popular mare More Likely has already won three times at Kelso, while Ann Hamilton’s Northumberland raider Silver Sedge has been second twice before at the borders venue.
Betfair sponsor the first race, a Conditional Jockeys Training Handicap Hurdle, which is the first leg of a National series. Betfair the internet betting exchange service, who last week offered The Roxburgh Hotel &Golf Course Handicap Steeple Chase winner Snowy at 90 -1 jumping the last, are a great supporter of National Hunt Racing, and we are proud to have them associated with Kelso. Wor Rom, the first winner for rookie trainer Elliott Cooper at Uttoxeter during the summer, could represent the Cumbrian handler here, while Sue Bradburne may run either Safin or Stainley.
The Borders Barmy Army a group of fundraisers from Galashiels have set themselves an amazing Charity challenge, as part of their build up to running the 2010 London Marathon in their Kilts!, they have organised the Borders Barmy Army National. This is the first ever staging of a pantomime horse race in the UK. Following on from the phenomenal success of the Border Principal race which is now a regular feature in Kelso’s calendar, it is hoped that this will develop into an equally successful event. Lee Myers and his fellow Barmy Army team, have left no stone unturned in persuading a range of Border companies and businesses to join in with this unique Charity fund raising event. Mitchell Glass have kindly sponsored the race, which has attracted over fourteen entrants all hoping to pass the post first.
Totepool have kindly sponsored the 4.40pm Novices Hurdle, in which Ian Semple who recently announced plans to hand in his licence, has entered both Jewelled Dagger and Oscar Wild, while Malcolm Jefferson’s McMurrough, may bid for swift compensation after his odds-on failure at Carlisle.
The Firth family from Morecambe have been tremendously loyal supporters of the Border track. Once again they bring their party up from Lancashire for the Clifford Firth Memorial Maiden Hurdle race, which will be a wide open betting contest. Lucinda Russell has her horses in great form, she must be excited about Perth winner Battle Group making his hurdling debut. Keep an eye too on Bobby Ewing, now with Nigel Twiston-Davies, and a maiden winner in Irish point-to-point company.
Another hugely loyal supporter of Kelso, James and Fiona Doyle are into their fifth year of sponsorship from their Hamilton base. The race is sponsored in memory of James’s father who was such a keen Kelso enthusiast; they have been rewarded with a very competitive event. Maurice Barnes has been a trainer to follow recently and he has Follow On entered in a couple of races. Cartmel-based Jimmy Moffatt is also in good form, he could saddle Ergo or Border Tale, who both appeared at Kelso recently.
Race meetings are becoming tremendously popular as a prelude for a stag or Hen party which will follow a day at the races. On Saturday Colin Jackson and his best man, together with a group of friends are starting a weekend of fun and laughter prior to his wedding. Marcus Barnett has kindly organised all the sponsorship and arrangements for his friend Colin and they have been reward with a competitive Beginners Chase. All For The Cause, a decent performer for George Moore could make his debut for Nicky Richards, while Martin Todhunter may be tempted to send his June Sedgefield winner Calculaite back over fences.
For Further Information:
Richard Landale : 01668 281041
Louise Grey : 01668 280800
Next Race Meeting: Saturday 7th November 2009