Hexham today

Couple of runners just down the road at Hexham today. Going is described as heavy.

Big Bad Dream makes his third appearance in a hurdle when contesting the opener, a 2m novices' hurdle at 1.55.

And we appear to have 'bumped into one' in the shape of previous winner Lord Yeats who already has been allocated a BHA mark of OR132. He's also a Listed winner over 12 furlongs on the flat, so the race would seem to be on for second place.
Callum is nursing an injured hand from the other day, so Craig Nichol will take the ride.

Later on, at 4.35, Paper Roses runs in the Mares' Handicap Hurdle, again over 2 miles.

She's still a maiden despite having run some fine races, but seems in the grip of the handicapper although she races off her lowest mark (OR109) today.

A couple of opponents are having their first runs after wind ops (Llantara and Mini Dreams) while Donald McCain saddles two from his stable in Birch Vale and Princess Mononoke. Both are mainly consistent sorts and will be there fighting out the finish.
Of the remainder, Kitty Fisher is 12lb out of the handicap and Sweet Vinetta makes her handicap debut - she may find this tough off OR107.

This is a Conditional Jockeys race so Kinross-based, but Hawick-born Blair Campbell takes the ride.

Good luck to all jockeys and connections.

Paper Roses