Kelso – 16th September 2020 - Alzheimer Scotland Borders Handicap Chase

Kelso – 16th September 2020 – Alzheimer Scotland Borders Handicap Chase

Not the most convenient course to get to from the South East and hence it was a first visit to Kelso for Phil and only Ewart who was staying in the North East was able to join Phil for the race.

It was a big turnout at Kelso, with more owners than elsewhere. The racecourse facilities were OK with a big screen and a couple of small stands for viewing. Owners were afforded good access to the paddock. plus a marquee for food and drink and after watching a few races and enjoying an excellent steak and ale pie with mash and veg – Phil & Ewart headed to the paddock. Fr Humphrey was looking fantastic and was probably the pick of the paddock for our race. Tom Scudamore had spoken to Neil and with plenty of pace likely, it had been agreed that he would ride Humphrey handy just off the pace and see what he could do at the end of the race.

Unfortunately, none of that pace materialised and not having been told to go to the front in such circumstances, Tom held Fr Humphrey back through the early stages. He jumped the first in 4th place and pulled through on the inside to be second into the back straight, but Tom was reining him back to 3rd or 4th and did so again when he jumped into the lead at the second. With little pace on Humphrey was untidy at the next two and back into 3rd place. He held 3rd or 4th down the straight and set off onto the last circuit travelling well but with no great pace to the race. He was still 3rd leaving the back and when the pace quickened at 3 out and Humprhey was taken off his feet, dropping back to 4th and under pressure. He was 4 or 5 lengths down at the second last and looking beaten, but coming to the last he was staying on better than most and jumped it in a share of 3rd before running on well to grab that spot.

Tom was pleased with him and he ran well, earning some prize money and finishing in the frame for those who bet on him each way.