KELSO REVIEW - SUNDAY 8th MARCH

By Bill Harvey

Wylie celebrates 50th winner of jumps season at Kelso

Graham Wylie celebrated his 50th success of the jumps season at Kelso on Sunday 8 March with the Howard Johnson-trained Gringo (11-4) winning the Collingwood Arms Handicap Hurdle under Denis O’Regan.

“It’s the first time I’ve reached 50 winners and I’m really delighted. I’m expecting to have ten runners at the Cheltenham Festival,” said the Hawick-born owner.

Bold Ransom (5-2 jt fav) lifted the £14,000 Kelso Annual Members Handicap Chase for Keith and James Reveley, staying on strongly to beat the Peter Monteith-trained Twelve Paces by 7 lengths in the colours of Mrs Grania Furness and Lord Zetland.

Nicky Richards celebrated two winners with Cornerback (5-1) and Premier Sagas (5-4 fav) scoring for the Greystoke yard under stable jockey Davy Condon.

Cornerback won the L.C.S.Joinery Novices’ Handicap Chase and Premier Sagas lifted the D.B.S.- sponsored bumper in tremendous style, storming to a 12 length triumph.

Premier Sagas, with Condon in the famous Monet’s Garden silks, attracted a £12,500-£10,000 bet and looks an exciting prospect for Richards.

Sir Tantallus Hawk (1-2 fav) won the novices’ hurdle (div 1) for Alan Swinbank and Brian Hughes and Singing Wizard (14-1) won div 2 for Donald McCain under an inspired Jason Maguire.

Sphinx (13-8 fav) landed the Fisherman’s Arms Novices’ Hurdle for Edwin Tuer and Keith Mercer in front of a 1600 crowd.