Keyboard Gangster wins at Kelso yesterday

It was already shaping up to be a marvellous day at Kelso yesterday, with a record prize day fund of £166,000 and ITV4 presenting the Saturday show from the track - and an excellent programme it was too.

But Keyboard Gangster's performance in winning the £40,000 added Class 2 handicap hurdle - one of 4 races shown live by ITV4 - was truly thrilling for all at Dodlands, and given by the reception he received not unbacked by Borders' locals who may have read our positive words in the Friday evening preview.

Equipped with a hood and ring-bit to counteract the gelding's tendency to pull hard (and other tendencies lol), Callum still found his arms being pulled out of his sockets as he held up the keen going Keyboard Gangster in last place. The faster pace (than a novice hurdle) of this handicap did suit but halfway down the back straight for the second time, he was still pulling hard!
From there, Callum steered the gelding to the outside making smooth progress to dispute the lead jumping 2 out, and was then neck and neck with Taxmeifyoucan as the duo pulled clear. Over the last, Callum soon switched into hard driving mode up the stands-side rails and held on to win from the fast finishing Reverant Cust.

Cue celebrations all round, led by Mark and his mates from The Buyers Club but it was so nice to accept warm congratulations from friends and race-goers alike. It does make a difference, many thanks!!

View the closing stages of the race here.

Keyboard Gangster (left) holds on from Taxmeifyoucan and Reverant Cust

See Callums immediate post race reaction here.

And also, the latest installment of the Broony/Jockey show on RUK.

Keyboard Gangster, Callum and Sarah meet Oli