Kelso preview: Snowden seeking to enhance excellent strike-rate on Wednesday

Jamie Snowden bids to build on his excellent Kelso strike-rate on Wednesday as the borders track stages racing for the first time since March 16.

The Lambourn trainer, who has saddled two winners from just four previous course runners, is represented by likely favourite Chapmanshype in the featured Great Welfare Auction Handicap Hurdle.

Kelso managing director Jonathan Garratt said: “It will be great to see horses back on the track again at Kelso with such strong, competitive fields. We really appreciate the support of all the owners and trainers and when crowds return we would love to reward them with enhanced prize money.”

Already an impressive scorer at Fontwell this summer, top-weight Chapmanshype faces eleven rivals in the £15,000 contest, staged behind closed doors over a trip of nearly 2m 5f.

Former champion conditional rider Gavin Sheehan, whose own Kelso record is three wins from just six mounts, is again on board the 142-rated Berkshire raider.

Among the opposition to Chapmanshype are James Ewart-trained Westland Row ridden by dual Scottish Borders National-winning jockey Rachael McDonald and Push The Tempo, a first ever runner at Kelso for Newport trainer Robert Stephens.

The bumper eight-race card begins with division one of the Radio Borders Cash For Kids Handicap Hurdle.

Chinwag, trained in Wiltshire by Neil Mulholland, was in good form prior to lockdown and bids to give jockey Robbie Dunne a first course strike on just his fourth Kelso ride.

Brian Hughes, crowned top jockey for the first time in the spring, has six mounts at the track where he rode nine winners during his 2019-20 championship campaign.

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