In a day filled with milestones, Northern racing shines as Sandy Thomson celebrates his 500th win, Lucinda Russell reaches 1,000 victories, and local trainers highlight Kelso's enduring talent and commitment to the sport.
In a stunning showcase of local talent, Sandy Thomson, the racehorse trainer based in Kelso, achieved a significant milestone this past Saturday by securing his 500th victory as a trainer's partner. This notable win was thanks to Gold des Bois, a ten-year-old chestnut gelding who excelled in the two-mile-one-furlong Ian Anderson Memorial Handicap Chase. This victory also celebrated the 500th career win for racehorse owner Ray Green, reinforcing the enduring strength of northern racing and the solid partnerships that thrive within the sport.
Although Green was on holiday in Antigua, he managed to keep up with the race, with Thomson relaying the victory celebrations via phone. 'Ray is an outstanding supporter of northern racing, and he truly deserves all the success that comes his way,' Thomson remarked. Even though Green was unable to attend in person, the win served as a fitting tribute to his long-term dedication to the sport. The victory saw Gold des Bois narrowly beat fellow joint favourite Fia Fuinidh, who was also at 9/4, by a nose, securing the top prize of £5,281—a significant win that will not be easily forgotten in the history of racing at Kelso.
Thomson's achievement was only one part of an extraordinary day for trainers in the Borders, as Selkirk's Stuart Coltherd and his son Sam also celebrated a victory in Kelso's main event. Their 7/2 second-favourite, Breakdance Kid, finished five lengths ahead of Charlie Uberalles, who is trained by Dianne Sayer from Cumbria. The win, valued at £10,562, marked a first career victory at Kelso for the six-year-old chestnut gelding, further enhancing Coltherd's reputation within the local racing community.
In a notable milestone, trainer Lucinda Russell from Perth and Kinross marked her 1,000th career victory with Starlyte in the Graeme Todd Memorial Handicap Hurdle. This win, which saw jockey Patrick Wadge in the saddle, highlighted Russell's remarkable consistency throughout her career, which features prestigious victories at the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, including wins with One for Arthur and Corach Rambler.
Russell shared her happiness at reaching this significant milestone, especially since it occurred at Kelso, the venue where she achieved her first victory in 1993. In contemplating her career, she expressed deep gratitude for her team and the owners, recognizing the consistent progress that had led her to this achievement.
Additional victories at Kelso featured a commanding win by Lunar Chief in the opening novice hurdle, trained by Ruth Jefferson, alongside a strong performance by Forged Well, who was trained by Martin Todhunter, in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle. These wins, combined with Russell's double, concluded a day that showcased local pride and exceptional talent.
The upcoming event at Kelso is sure to be equally exciting, with the Scottish Borders National Day scheduled for Sunday, December 8.
