Top trainers chasing main prize at Perth

FESTIVAL: Appearance of Lucinda Russell’s Grand National winner kicks off opening day of the three-day meeting

The first Listed race to be staged at Perth is the centrepiece on a cracking opening card of a three-day festival that dates back to 1989.

Leading national hunt trainers Evan Williams, Philip Hobbs, Nicky Richards and Dan Skelton are among those represented in the £20,000 EBF Stallions Gold Castle “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle staged over three miles.

Progressive Aintree My Dream is only the second runner at the Scone track for Skelton while Williams’ Gayebury is the top-rated horse on a BHA mark of 147.

Philip Hobbs is a more seasoned Perth visitor and he is responsible for £110,000 December purchase Robbin’hannon.

The Somerset trainer said: “He’s a nice horse and won very well at Warwick but this is an enormous step up in class.

“Hopefully he will have a chance as the three mile trip will suit him well. Next season he will make a lovely chaser.”

Richard Johnson, about to be crowned champion jockey for the second season running, is aboard Robbin’hannon, one of his three rides today.

He has ridden more winners at Perth than any other track this term with a return of 17 wins from 65 mounts.

Tom George bids to win the Phil Nelson Handicap Chase for the fourth time in seven years, this time with A Good Skin partnered by stable jockey Adrian Heskin.

The Stroud trainer struck last year with No Duffer, in 2013 with Good Order and in 2011 with Shake The Barley.

West Country-based Nigel Hawke, a Grand National-winning jockey on Seagram in 1991, sends a rare raider from his Devon yard in the shape of Lord Ballim in the Bill And Bunny Cadogan Memorial Chase.

The afternoon begins with Grand National hero One For Arthur appearing in the paddock at 1.25pm and chief executive Hazel Peplinski said: “This first day promises much and is very rewarding for all the hard work that has gone in to preparing Perth for the start our 2017 campaign.

“That One For Arthur is the first horse to welcome into our parade ring is a total honour.

“We are so grateful to Lucinda Russell’s team for completing his Scottish lap of honour here at his local course.”