Thomson completes Borders National five-timer

Sandy Thomson gained a fifth success in the 125 Years Of Bruce Farms Scottish Borders National with the Ray Greenowned Flower Of Scotland.

The mare, the 100-30 favourite, was an empathic sixlength scorer from Clonguile Way under a confident Danny Mcmenamin ride in the fourmile Kelso marathon.

Greenlaw-based Thomson said: “This longer trip and soft ground is just what she needs and I’d say something like the Eider Chase at Newcastle in February could be next for her providing the ground is suitable. I’m really pleased for Ray and all our own team at home as they put so much hard work into it.”

Thomson had earlier initiated a double when Jamie Hamilton-ridden Carcaci Castle took the opening Visit Kelso Christmas Events ‘National hunt’ maiden hurdle. Green also doubled up when his colours we’re carried top victory by Lucinda Russell’s Traprain Law in the concluding Racing TV Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle.

Nick Alexander was all smiles after Ned Tanner produced a battling performance in the Paris Pike Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. The Kinneston trainer said: “Long term he could be the type for a crack at the Borders National but we’ll look at coming back here for another novices’ handicap.”

Ex-edinburgh National hero Mighty Thunder is back at the scene of his 2021 win at Musselburgh today. Trained by Lucinda Russell and also the Scottish National winner that year, he faces six rivals in the 100% Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap Hurdle. It is a first ride over hurdles for Conner Mccann since a nasty fall earlier in the year.

The most valuable race on the card is the £22,000 Every Race Live On Racing TV ‘Introductory’ Juvenile Hurdle. Former Flat winner Gaius is likely to go off favourite as he goes hurdling for the first time.