Gordon Brown – Race Reporter
Gordon has a wealth of experience of racing through his background in the written and broadcast media. His current principle role is reporting and supporting the scene in Scotland on Racing TV and relaying the latest news with Scottish angles.
Harry and Dan Skelton dominated the final meeting at Kelso in 2024 when teaming up for a hat-trick which was returned at odds of just over 20/1.
The Warwickshire-based brothers, on the mark in Grade 1 company at Newbury on Saturday with rising star The New Lion, struck with Ace Of Spades, Beat Box and Komedy Kicks in the Scottish borders.
“The horses are in great form at the moment and it’s a big effort from all the team,” Harry Skelton said. “We set off at 5am this morning and it’s a long way to come but this makes it all worthwhile.
“Ace Of Spades was the main one and the others helped to keep him him company. He stayed on really and saw out the longer trip nicely.”
Lucinda Russell was all smiles after Idem bounced back to his best in the Slainte Mhath Handiap Hurdle under Patrick Wadge.
“He can be tricky but he put his best foot forward today,” Russell said. “You can’t even plait his mane but on a going day he definitely has ability.”
Skyhill, trained near Hawick by Alison Hamilton and owned by her husband Gavin, landed the AJA Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.
The 10/1 winner was a first ride at the track for Heidi Palin, who is attached to the invincible Skelton stable.