Kelso Racecourse is all set to host an action-packed day of National Hunt racing on Saturday, 21 March, with a competitive seven-race card that promises excitement, depth, and high-quality performances. Featuring a mix of elite mares’ contests, competitive handicaps, and promising novice events, the meeting stands out as one of the most engaging fixtures of the weekend.
The day begins at 1:00 PM with the Beeswing Mares’ Hurdle Race, a Class 1 contest run over 3 miles and 100 yards. With nine runners declared and a prize fund of £40,000, the opening race immediately raises the bar. Known for testing stamina and consistency, this long-distance hurdle will likely see experienced mares battling for early dominance on the card.
At 1:30 PM, the Handicap Hurdle Race brings together a full field of 16 runners in a Class 2 contest over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 189 yards. With £40,000 at stake, this race is expected to be fiercely competitive. Races of this nature often produce unpredictable outcomes, making it one of the most intriguing contests of the afternoon.
At 2:10 pm, the feature race at Kelso Racecourse brings together a strong and competitive field of mares led by Khrisma FR, ridden by Nico de Boinville. The six-year-old arrives in excellent form with a profile of 3/3-2121 and carries 12st with a BHA rating of 128. Trained by Nicky Henderson for owner John P. McManus, she sets the benchmark. Queenie St Clair IRE, partnered by Freddie Keighley, is another notable contender with a rating of 119, while Beauty In The Park IRE, ridden by Gavin Sheehan and trained by Paul Nicholls, comes in with solid recent form and a rating of 114.
Among the closely matched runners, Anariza FR with Jack Andrews and Diamonds Galore GB under David Bass both hold ratings of 113, making them serious challengers. Changemyluck GB and Yeld To Call FR are each rated 108, while Our Peggy IRE, guided by Brendan Powell, sits just below at 107. Belle Le Grand GB, trained by Dan Skelton, adds further depth despite mixed recent results, while Klassy Pearl FR and Riviera Walk IRE both enter with ratings of 105, keeping the middle order highly competitive.
The field is completed by Gintime IRE, Crystal Days GB, and Madame La Papillon GB, all closely rated around the 104–105 mark. These runners, though slightly lower in the ratings, bring consistency and potential to improve, making the contest wide open beyond the top selections. With a blend of proven performers and emerging talent, the 2:10 pm race promises a high-quality and closely fought battle among some of the most progressive mares in the division.
The action continues at 2:40 PM with the Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase. This Class 2 race over 2 miles 5 furlongs and 133 yards features 10 runners and offers another £40,000 in prize money. Novice chasers stepping into competitive company will need to demonstrate both jumping accuracy and tactical awareness to succeed over this challenging distance.
At 3:13 PM, the Remembering Duncan Davidson Handicap Steeple Chase takes center stage. Although it has a smaller field of six runners, the race is no less significant. Covering a demanding distance of 3 miles 2 furlongs and 39 yards, stamina becomes the defining factor. With £35,000 on offer, seasoned stayers will look to assert their dominance in what promises to be a strategic and endurance-driven contest.
The sixth race of the day, scheduled for 3:48 PM, is the KOSB Novices’ Hurdle Race. This Class 4 event over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 189 yards includes nine runners competing for £10,000. It provides an important opportunity for less experienced horses to gain exposure and build their credentials in a competitive environment.
The meeting concludes at 4:23 PM with the Racing Post Jodami Open National Hunt Flat Race, a Class 2 bumper worth £20,000. Featuring eight runners over 2 miles and 51 yards, this race often serves as a launching pad for future jumping prospects. It offers valuable insight into emerging talent that could shape upcoming National Hunt seasons.
Overall, the Kelso meeting combines strong prize money, competitive fields, and a balanced race program that caters to both established performers and rising stars. With the Herring Queen Series Final as its centerpiece, Saturday’s card is poised to deliver high-quality racing and memorable moments for fans and participants alike.
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