Gordon Brown – Race Reporter
Gordon has a wealth of experience of racing through his background in the written and broadcast media. His current principle role is reporting and supporting the scene in Scotland on Racing TV and relaying the latest news with Scottish angles.
Rising star Patrick Wadge is now just one away from losing his 7lb allowance after making all on Traprain Law at Ayr on Saturday.
Lucinda Russell’s grey saw off Ginger Mail by half a length in a thrilling finish to the Craigie Cup Handicap Hurdle.
Gretna-born Wadge said: “At the start of the season I set myself a target of five winners and now I’ve ridden 19 already. This horse can be a little keen but he enjoys leading and I’m 3/4 on him now.”
Nick Alexander was on the mark after Artic Row made a winning handicap hurdle debut under an excellent ride from Sean Quinlan.
“Sean was great on him as he can be a bit keen and was hanging as well,” the Kinneston trainer said. “He’s gradually getting the hang of things and should stay a little bit further as we’ve got one of his relations that gets 2m 6f.”
Animore impressed for Dumfriesshire handler Iain Jardine in the mares’ handicap hurdle.
The 7-2 chance slammed Rockonsoph by twelve lengths and her jockey Dylan Johnston said: “I rode her here last time and this better ground was more to her liking. She can be a little bit keen and the longer trip helped as well.”
Ardera Cross went down fighting to Rose Dobbin-trained Captain Quint as the fought out a match for the 2m 4f handicap chase.
Craig Nichol sent the favourite on at the second last as they saw the gallant 12-year-old runner-up by seven and a half lengths.
Dobbin’s husband Tony said: “This a gorgeous horse and he will go for the final of this series at Carlisle in a couple of weeks. He is growing up all the time and would ideally like a bit more cut in the ground.”
Nichol completed a double when Paul Robson’s Just Don’t Know was left to come home alone in the feature after sole rival Readysteadybeau fell two out.