The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Thrilling day of racing at Perth as second favourite grabs victory –
Second favourite emphatically ends spell of finishing runner-up
Day two of the Mackie’s of Scotland Summer Series at Perth Racecourse provided thrilling top-class racing.
Noche De Reyes stormed to victory in the feature race, the 4.10 Heineken UK Handicap Chase, ending his run of second-placed finishes in some style.
Ridden by Adrian Heskin and trained by Tom George, the 9/4 second favourite beat Muwalla by three lengths.
The winning jockey said: “He’s deserved that as he’s run some solid races when second in his previous three races.
“It was all pretty straightforward and he pulled clear for me shortly after turning in.
“He might well go on and build on this as it was a good effort conceding weight all round.”
George and Heskin earlier initiated a double when Otter Moon beat Loud And Clear by three and three-quarter lengths in the opening Racing Welfare Racing Staff Week Maiden Hurdle.
Fourth over hurdles 24 hours earlier, Tangolan reverted to fences and took the Mackie’s Cream Of The Crop Handicap Chase under Paddy Brennan.
Winning trainer Fergal O’Brien said: “He enjoyed a positive ride and he was bucking and kicking this morning, so we decided to let him take his chance.”
Wot A Shot took the Centurion Novices’ Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Craig Nichol for Greystoke trainer Nicky Richards.
The winner was the 19th success for the MS Borders Racing Club, fronted by Rhona Elliott, who received an MBE from the Queen for services to charity at Holyrood Palace earlier this week.
Lucinda Russell prevailed in the Perth & Kinross Federation SWI Centenary Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle with Thorpe, ridden by Blair Campbell.
The winner carries the rose and primrose hoop colours of Michael and Lady Jane Kaplan.
Members of the Perth and Kinross Federation were invited as special guests of the racecourse to help celebrate the centenary of the Scottish Women’s Institutes, with the race named in their honour.
A bumper crowd enjoyed a total of 14 races during the midweek doubleheader and Mackie’s of Scotland provided summer treats throughout, with an array of local produce, craft beers and Champagne also available on-site.
Meanwhile, the third instalment of the Mackie’s of Scotland Summer Series takes place on Sunday July 16 when the popular Family Race Day returns to Perth.