Riders saddle up for Scottish Borders National

Last year’s victor Neptune Equester bids to defend his title for Greenlaw trainer Sandy Thomson, after an impressive success in 2014.

Rival d’Estruval could be an interesting contender for East Lothian owner Ray Green and Northumberland handler Pauline Robson

Persimmon Homes life president, Duncan Davidson, will be on hand to make the presentations.

Another progressive firm is Lanarkshire-based Albert Bartlett, who support the Scotty Brand Champion Chase.

Little Glenshee, who finished third last year, is a potential runner for Fife trainer Nick Alexander, who has also pencilled in stablemate More Madness.

Reaping the Reward, victorious in two good races last term, represents Lucinda Russell’s in-form Milnathort stable.

The Roux brothers, through their Inverlochy Castle Management Company, have recently taken over the management of the Roxburghe Hotel and Gold Course, and generously sponsor the Paris Pike novice chase.

Sandy Thomson’s stable star, Seeyouatmidnight, is amongst a competitive field, and has been aimed at this race since his encouraging debut over fences at Carlisle.

Silsol, owned by North Queensferry couple Dan and Michelle MacDonald, could be a rare Kelso runner for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Racing comes under orders at 12 noon, and the first race on the card is the Black Swan novice hurdle, sponsored by Gary Strathdee and Robin Lees. from the popular Kelso hotel.

Hawick jockey Jamie Hamilton has been booked for the ride on recent Ayr winner Cornborough. Ralphy Lad could be one to watch, having completed a hat-trick on the Flat in the spring.

Douglas Pryde sponsor the two-mile handicap hurdle race. Wigton trainer John Dixon celebrated his 72nd birthday this week and his son John has been pencilled in to ride Circus Star. Teo Vivo won this last year and could have a rematch with Hunters Belt.

The mares novice hurdle is sponsored by Belford joiner and builder Ali Gilhome.

Donald McCain saddled Ardnahoe to victory last year, and bids to keep hold of the prize with ex-pointer Mo Chailin. Southdean trainer George Bewley could run his wide-margin Hexham winner Innis Shannon.

Galashiels trainer Katie Scott could saddle 2013 Buccleuch Cup winner Moscow Menace in the concluding contest, sponsored by Kristoffersen Carpets, while Chris Grant has the choice of Clenagh Castle or Tickanrun in the finale.

Gates open at 10am.