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.
Magna Sam, sent off at 10/1, landed a second bet365 Edinburgh National when slamming Bodhisattva by nine and a half lengths.
Trained by Alastair Ralph and ridden by Brendan Powell, he was following up his triumph in the 2023 renewal for his Shropshire connections.
“He seems to be coming back to his best and he was a little bit lower in the ratings this time,” reported Bridgenorth-based Ralph. “We’ve tinkered with his wind with a little bit of surgery and the cheekpieces helped as well.”
The bet365 Scottish Supreme Novices’ Hurdle was won in impressive style by Jonathan Burke-ridden Tripoli Flyers, who holds an entry in the real thing at Cheltenham.
“His jumping wasn’t great but he’s got some engine and he’s picked up really well in the end,” said winning trainer Fergal O’Brien. “He’ll probably run at the Festival as his owner is local to Cheltenham.”
James Ewart and Lucinda Russell were both on the mark with Thistle Ask and Prince Of Perth respectively.
Thistle Ask landed the bet365 Handicap Chase while Prince Of Perth took the Never Ordinary At bet365 Handicap Hurdle.