Dali Mail wins impressively at Kelso on Thursday

John Mackin, our hero, Sarah Brown, Nicola Mackin, another hero and Al Duncan

A very impressive performance from Dali Mail, steered by Callum, saw the horse win comfortably at the third time of asking in the bumper at Kelso yesterday for The Zidane Partnership who are made up of Nicola & John Mackin and Al Duncan. Al's been involved in horse ownership for a fair number of years now, but this was a first venture for Nicola & John - a couple new to the yard and to racing too.
And what a performance the French-bred 5yr old son of Satri put up in only his second start this season, and third in total following a bumper debut a year ago. Yet it was only three weeks ago that Dali Mail ran the second of his races when finishing a close 3rd over course and distance, but Callum had been very pleased about how the grey gelding had come out of that race. He really has matured and become more consistent in his work over the last six weeks.

With that in mind, Callum greeted the owners in the paddock with today's tactics - race upsides the expected leader Dr. Hooves and, if going well, press on with about 4f to go and see who can match the gallop.
And, er, that's how it turned out with first the challenge of Dr. Hooves, then Hitman Fred faltering as they attempted to match the pace of our fellow. Clear 2f out, Callum pushed out Dali Mail to win readily by 18 lengths.

Watch the full race here.

This win actually made it 3 bumper wins for the stable this season - and 5 placed efforts - from 9 runs so far by 5 horses.

Dali Mail is clearly suited by give in the ground which as Spring approaches may limit the options as to where he goes next. Given his size and scope - an athletic 16.3hh - he has the look of a chaser so an initial season hurdling would seem to be obvious. He can still compete in one more bumper though, but it'll be nice to sit back and discuss the options with his owners. 

A very fine day at the races!

Today's heroes : Dali Mail and Callum