KELSO review  By Gordon Brown

J J Slevin rode his first winner at Kelso as Lily Du Berlais appeared late on the scene in the £50,000 Herring Queen Series Final Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.

The Stuart Crawford-trained 9/2 favourite collared front-running Politacus close home to score by half a length.

“She’s a mare with a bit of class to her and she travelled like a dream when I won on her at Ayr last month,” said Slevin. “She stuck on really well for me and I always felt we were going to get there in time.”

Trainer Sandy Thomson and stable jockey Ryan Mania teamed up for a 15/1 double with Faithfulflyer in the 2m 5f handicap hurdle and Dedicated Hero in the Racing Post Go North Jodami Series Final Open National Hunt Flat Race.

“We’ve been quiet as the horses weren’t right towards the end of the season and these are our first winners since early March,” said Lambden-based Thomson. “Faithfulflyer was on a nice mark while Dedicated Hero is a lovely prospect for the future.” 

Last season’s champion conditional Patrick Wadge opened his account for the new campaign on Idem for his boss Lucinda Russell in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle.

“I’ve only seven winners left on my claim and my target is just to keep ticking along and stay sound for the season ahead,” Wadge said.