Kelso Racecourse, known as the “Friendliest Racecourse in Britain,” kicks off its Autumn jumps season on 17 September with a seven-race card full of competitive action. This first fixture comes with a charitable spirit, raising money for the Borders Carers Centre, making it a day where racing and community come together. With the first flag set to drop at 3:53 PM and the finale scheduled for 7:00 PM, it promises an afternoon of jumping excitement and a perfect start to the new season.
Race 1: Borders Carers Centre Novices’ Hurdle (3:53pm, 2m4f189y)
The season begins with a GBB race with winning purse of £4,357. In this Class 4 clash of 4-yr-olds and over like JACKSON LAMB, MAGIC GLOVES and TOP OF THE STARS look ready to set the early standard, while JENTOBELLO and AVALON BEACH could throw down a late challenge. A great way to open the new season with plenty of early thrills.
Race 2: Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Handicap Hurdle (4:25pm, 2m4f189y)
The second contest lines up as a £13,008 worth Class 2 contest. Horses aged 3 and over like SERIOUS OPERATOR, HERE COMES GEORGIE and TAMAR BRIDGE may dictate terms early, though ROCKVIEW CONSORT, THE NAVIGATOR and STARLYTE could be the ones staying on strongly to the line. This contest carries GBB bonuses for eligible British-bred fillies and mares.
Race 3: RBC Brewin Dolphin Handicap Chase (Go North Monet’s Garden Series Qualifier) (5:00pm, 2m5f133y)
The third race sees the pace lift again in a £5,281 worth Class 4 contest . HALF SHOT, PONT AVEN and NO REGRETS appear well-suited to the trip, but STEP ABOVE, HIGH MOON, CRACKING DESTINY and LET’S SAIL AWAY could be lurking to strike late. A GBB race, rewarding eligible British-bred fillies and mares with bonus prize money.
Race 4: Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (5:30pm, 2m2f25y)
Midway through the card, the fourth race brings a £3,697 worth contest of 3-yr-olds and over. Here HEART ABOVE, O’FAOLAINS GLORY and AMBASSADOR will look to seize control, while GREEN BONNET, ASCENSION DAY, BLENDED STEALTH and DARKEST DAY have every chance of keeping things competitive.
Race 5: Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (6:00pm, 2m2f25y)
The fifth race continues the action with a Class 5 clash with £3,697 up for grabs. SHE’S NOTJOEKING, STATE OF HONOR and MR GLOBALIST should be right in the mix, though IVYNATOR, CLAN CHIEFTAIN and OASIS PRINCE could surprise if they jump accurately throughout.
Race 6: Belhaven Brewery Handicap Chase (6:30pm, 2m1f14y)
The penultimate race sees Class 3 taking the centre stage in another GBB race. Horses aged 4 and over like PRIMOZ, PAY THE PIPER and DOG FOX will be looking to land a win before the finale, with ARTHUR’S QUAY, MALYSTIC and GARDE DES CHAMPS threatening to spoil the party. A great setup for the closing act.
Race 7: Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination)
The curtain falls with a GBB race of Class 4 with stakes £2,723, where horses aged 4 and 5 like GIJIMA, NOBOTHERATALL and MONTE A BORD hope to end the day on top, while BLUE INDIGO, STRATHCATCHA and NUFINBUTDATRUTH could come flying home late. A fitting conclusion to Kelso’s season-opening fixture.
As the sun sets over Kelso and the last race is decided, this opening meeting will have combined competitive jump racing with a sense of purpose, supporting the Borders Carers Centre. It’s a reminder that racing at Kelso is about more than just winners – it’s about community, atmosphere, and the thrill of a new season getting underway.
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