Tindle happy to follow in brother’s footsteps with New Year Sprint win

JEDBURGH’S Scott Tindle matched his brother Cameron’s achievement with victory in the 154th New Year Sprint at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Cameron won the world- famous 110m handicap race at the same venue in 2015, and Scott was overjoyed to emulate his sibling after finishing a close second to Stacey Downie in the 2022 final at Meadowbank last July.

Having come through Friday’s qualifying heats as a fastest loser, Tindle fired an ominous warning to his rivals when he clocked by far the quickest time – 12 seconds flat – in yesterday’s cross- ties ( semifinals).

That made him the overwhelming favourite for the final less than two hours later, but Shettleston’s Gkontouin Imante ran him desperately close despite starting the race three- and- a- half metres behind due to the handicapping system.

Tindle pipped Imante in a photo finish in 12.03secs with Friday’s fastest qualifier Euan Urquhart out dipping two- time champion Greg Kelly for third place.

“It was so close, but I just managed to hold on at the line,” said Tindle, who was presented with the Eric Liddell crystal trophy plus a cheque for £ 3,500.

“It was as close today as it was when I finished second in July, but luckily I came out on the right side this time.

“The difference was that I’m a faster runner on grass. It’s a challenge for me on the [ synthetic] track, but I was confident on the grass. I raced all season on grass at the Highland Games and I’ve

trained very hard. To win this after my brother won it eight years ago is amazing.”

Runner- up Imante said: “I trained hard for this and I expected to be in the top three, but I had doubts on Friday [ at Meadowbank]. I only came third in my heat on the track, but I came second in the final today, so I’m very pleased.”

Kelly, whose bid to make history as the first three- time champion fell fractionally short, said: “I did all I could and I’m happy with my run.

“To finish fourth off a start of half a metre is pretty good, but I was probably a metre off winning it today.”