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.
THE 2022 William Hill Perth festival begins with a real swing with the opening day card carrying over £105,000 in prize money and featuring a couple of back-to-back Listed contests.
Nicky Richards is looking forward to running Famous Bridge, one of six quality runners declared for the British EBF William Hill Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle (Listed).
The Greystoke trainer said: “He won nicely in a handicap at Kelso that is working out well so we have decided to roll the dice in this better company. He’s deserved a crack at this type of race and he’s bred to get this longer trip.”
Paul Nicholls, about to crowned champion trainer for the 13th time and winning handler last year with Threeunderthrufive, saddles Complete Unknown, a cosy winner of a Grade 3 hurdle at Sandown last month.
As the top-rated runner on a BHA mark of 144, Venetia Williams-trained Pink Legend is one of five runners in the £32,500 William Hill Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase (Listed) as jockey Charlie Deutsch bids for his first win at Perth.
But she may not have things her own way as Zambella, representing Nigel Twiston-Davies and Daryl Jacob, was a close fourth in Grade 2 company on Cheltenham Gold Cup day.
The seven-race meeting gets underway with the aply-named Heidsieck Monopole “Party Has Started” Maiden Hurdle.
Stuart Crawford could hold the key as the Co Antrim trainer is triply-represented with Haribo Collonges, Brompton Park and Worth A Look.