Patrick Mullins relishing first ride at Kelso on Chart Topper

Patrick Mullins is looking forward to his first visit to Kelso on Saturday when the vastly-experienced amateur rider will partner Chart Topper, also a first runner at the track for his trainer father Willie.

The Irish raider lines up in the £75,000 bet365 Premier Hurdle, when he is set to take on nine rivals in the Grade Two contest staged over 2m 2f.

“It’s a very good card overall and the prize money for a Grade 2 is fantastic - that’s the reasoning behind us coming over,” Mullins said. “He’s home-bred horse so we’re looking to get a bit of black type for the dam too.

“He won last time at Wetherby, his owner is based in England and I haven’t ever been to Kelso so it’s very much a case of all the stars aligning. I think the track will suit my fella as he isn’t short of a gear or two. 

“From what I’ve seen, it looks a good track and I know Emmet (Mullins) has had a bit luck there before so we’re really looking forward to coming and seeing the place first hand. I can’t wait to see the open fireplace in the changing room that everyone’s been telling me about!   

“I’ve ridden a few times at Ayr before without having a winner but I’ve had one winner from one ride at Perth and I’ve yet to go to Musselburgh."

He added: "It’s a fairly simple trip across as we’re flying from Dublin to Edinburgh in the morning and then hiring a car for the drive down. Emmet tells me it’s very similar to our Thyestes Chase day at Gowran Park with a decent crowd and a great atmosphere.”

Chart Topper is a best-priced 7-2 for Saturday's contest, sharing favouritism with the Ben Pauling-trained Vanderpoel, winer of both his starts over hurdles.