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.
Locally-based Sandy Thomson bids for a sixth Scottish Borders National success at Kelso with Flower Of Scotland.
The mare, who landed the £50,000 Bruce Farms sponsored marathon in 2022, is again after the spoils in a contest staged over four miles and 90 yards.
Thomson, also successful in the past by dual scorers Neptune Equester and Harry The Viking, said: “She had her comeback run, and first since wind surgery, in the Cumberland Chase.
“I thought her jumping was great at Carlisle and she was certainly impressive in the Borders National two years ago. The ground should be fine and we’re hoping for a big run.”
Flower Of Scotland carries the colours of Ray Green, who enjoyed his 500th winner as an owner with Thomson-trained Gold Des Bois at Kelso on November 9th. The Borders venue also the scene of his 400th victory with Jim Goldie’s Turtle Watch in 2015.
Opposition to Flower Of Scotland includes Lucinda Russell’s pair Your Own Story and Haute Estime.
The former, who holds a Welsh National entry later this month, was only pipped by a neck at the Punchestown festival in May.
And market principal and course winner Raceview Lad has done little wrong in six runs since joining George Bewley from Ireland.
The most valuable race is the inaugural renewal of the Richard Landale Memorial Handicap Chase, which carries £75,000 in prize money.
Staged over 2m 1f, it is run in memory of Kelso’s former long serving managing director, who passed away in the summer at the age of 80.
With a BHA mark of 156, two-time course winner Tommy’s Oscar is the top-rated runner for Northumberland permit-trainer Ann Hamilton.