Debut training triumph at Kelso for Hawick ex-rider Robson

There was further Borders success at the local racecourse’s first twilight meeting of the autumn, with Selkirk’s Sam Coltherd guiding Midnight Shuffle – trained by Sam’s dad Stuart – to victory in the day’s last race.

Jedburgh rider Callum Bewley was also on board a couple of entrants in other races on the afternoon’s card.

Along with his father, Paul Robson runs a funeral director business, although he is keen to increase the number of jumps horses he has in training.

He said: “I’ve taken over the training side from my father and we have a secret weapon in a gallop, which is over seven-furlongs long.

"Our main income comes from the funeral business but racing is my passion and, hopefully, we can expand that side of things.”

Dianne Sayer enjoyed a one-two in the feature race, as well-backed Iolani, ridden by Conor O’Farrell, led home stable companion Frightened Rabbit.

The Cumbrian raiders were separated by two and a quarter lengths in the £16,000 Weatherbys Hamilton Handicap Hurdle.

Sayer said: “Iolani won but it could have different for ‘Rabbit’ as he was badly hampered by a loose horse between the last two flights.

"It’s great that we have benefited from someone else’s misfortune but that’s racing for you and it’s nice to do so well in a Class 2 race.”

Owing to two horses slipping up – both were unharmed – the next race was delayed by almost 35 minutes while sanding of the track took place.