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.
Ryan Mania was the jockey to follow at Musselburgh as the Grand National-winning pilot treated a big New Year’s Day crowd to a stunning 204-1 treble.
Bringbackmemories landed the opener for Irish handler John McConnell with Large Action springing a 25-1 upset for Roger Fell before Benson competed the three-timer in the concluding event for Sandy Thomson.
Mania said: “It was great to win on the first and last horses as they are owned by Jimmy Fyffe, who I know really well so I’m delighted for him. Large Action hadn’t run over fences before and hadn’t achieved a great deal as a hurdler but he jumped pretty well for me out there today.”
Ed Austin-ridden Brandy McQueen made a lot of the running on his way to winning the Fitzdares Happy New Year Handicap Hurdle for Harriet Graham and Gary Rutherford.
Rutherford said: “He’s handled the soft ground and been a real star this season. He’s so consistent and will make a lovely chaser one day.”