RACING returns to Kelso on Monday for one of the highlights of the hunter chase calendar – Buccleuch Cup day, writes Hilary Mactaggart.
This prestigious race has been the target for Glen Lord since he won the members’ event at Corbridge on March 5.
The gelding has proved a real credit to Berwickshire owner/trainer Nicola Neill, after fracturing a vertebra last year and missing the entire season. Neill has him in great form and he will be a strong candidate to take the spoils.
Lesley Coltherd, wife of Selkirk trainer Stuart Coltherd, is entering her winning point-to-pointer Risk Assessment, who has been successfully treated for a back problem.
Joe Scott-Plummer, chairman of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, has introduced Cazenove Capital Management, the Edinburgh financial house, into sponsorship of the Buccleuch Cup.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has also sponsored the second chase on the seven-race card, which comes under orders at 2.30pm.
Kai Broon from Lucinda Russell’s yard was second to stablemate Degas Art in early March and could go one better, while Jedburgh’s in-form Harriet Graham could be double-handed with Duke Of Malfi and Prince Tam.
Clelands, the Jaguar and Volvo dealers from Galashiels, sponsors the 2m 6f handicap hurdle in which Stuart Coltherd is entering Talking Sense, providing the ground isn’t too quick, and Nicky Richards could try again with Malin Bay, who didn’t get any further than the first flight when fancied over course and distance last Saturday.
The Green Tree Hotel in Peebles sponsors the first race of the day, a conditional jockeys handicap hurdle. In this, Coltherd is entering Surprise Vendor, while Lucinda Russell’s Beidh Tine Anseo is expected to be in the line-up.
A new sponsor to the Borders track is Virtuo Wealth Management, who supports the novice chase. Willie Hall, trained at Hawick by Willie Amos, would be an ideal candidate for this after his recent beginners’ chase strike at Sedgefield. Chris Grant’s Double Expresso, formerly with Paul Nicholls, is another possible entry.
Financial advisor Douglas Pryde sponsors the novice hurdle race as a memorial for his great friend, Duncan Sinclair.
Young Sparky, trained near Carlisle by former jockey Brian Storey may go close in this, as could the Jim Goldie-trained I Got Sunshine.
SIS have sponsored the final race on the card where Overlady, already a winner at Ayr this term, is another ground-dependent Stuart Coltherd entry.