Runners and riders rally for Jedforest point to point

Charlotte Dun winning at Friars Haugh, Berwickshire Hunt point to point races
(second winner in black and yellow, first winner in orange) — Charlotte Dun winning at Friars Haugh, Berwickshire Hunt point to point races (second winner in black and yellow, first winner in orange)

Earlier this week, the going at Kelso’s Friars Haugh course was described as soft, with a good covering of grass on the track.

There are 13 entries in the opening StorageXpress and Border Berries Border Hunts club members race.

Northern Area point-to-point chairman Tony Hogarth sends Molten Brown from his Galashiels base to contest the opener, while Karen Lynn from Jedburgh saddles Probably George.

Selkirk trainer Lesley Coltherd is double handed with Damiens Dilemma and For Yes, while the hopes of Galashiels handler Katie Scott rest with Stormion.

The Musselburgh Racecourse and Royal Dick Vet intermediate race has attracted nine entries, from both sides of the border.

Largest entry of the afternoon comes in the Gain Horse Feeds ladies open race, with 18 possible contenders.

Heriot-based trainer Jane Dun saddles Rolecarr, who provided her daughter Charlotte with an emotional first riding success when winning at the track last year.

Other local interest includes Oscar Stanley from Diana Walton’s Hawick stable, and Wind of Hope for Alan Brown from Hawick.

The Lloyd Land Rover mens open race has also attracted a good entry of 17.

Richard Lynn from Hawick pins his hopes on Silent Snow, while Grand National winning trainer John Leadbetter sends Kingcora from his Berwickshire base.

Denholm-based Gavin Hamilton has Emkae in the Subaru restricted race, which has just six entries, as does the following Jockey Club and D2 Insurance mares maiden, where Corolynn represents Clive Storey’s Yetholm stable.

The concluding Billy Stenhouse memorial maiden race at 3.30pm has 10 entries, including New Vic from Quona Thomson’s Greenlaw yard, Silent Law for Joanna Luton from Lauder, and Active in Milan from Alan Wight’s Berwickshire stable.

Racing is preceded by a team challenge jumping relay at 10am, which will be contested by 12 teams, and followed by a gun dog display.

With a heated lunch tent and some good racing on the card, there’s plenty for everyone at Friars Haugh on Sunday. Go to www.northernp2p.co.uk for updates.