Stainsby Girl wins at Kelso on Sunday

Craig Nichol, Stainsby Girl, Laura Arnott & Al Duncan

Thrilling day for the yard at Kelso on Sunday, where our only runner on the day Stainsby Girl led all the way to win the 2 miles Class 3 handicap hurdle for owners Helen Simpson & Al Duncan.

The form of Stainsby Girl's second place at Haydock at the start of December has looked rock solid with very good subsequent performances from most of the first 7 across the line. But beforehand we were a bit unsure about the ground here (our mare acts best on heavy) so whilst we thought she would run well, winning chances were on the pessimistic side.
Although the ground was officially good to soft, it rode a bit sticky which suited the round-actioned Stainsby Girl down to the ground.

The race started much as was thought with Craig and Brain Hughes (Word Has It) setting the pace, with the classy Elvis Mail tracking the duo in third. And that is how it remained until the 2nd last (the usual 3 out due to omitted final flight) when Craig quickened the pace with a swift jump from the mare which had all but Word Has It off the bit. Another very quick jump at the last enabled Craig to ask Stainsby Girl for another effort on the extended run-in. Grabbling the stands-side rail, Stainsby Girl ran on well to beat Elvis Mail by a couple of lengths with another 3 back to Word Has It who looked in need of this outing.

With the favourite and 3rd favourite filling the places, this has the look of a very good piece of form from all three and whilst Kinneston Nick (Elvis Mail) and Donald McCain will be disappointed to lose both geldings were giving lumps of weight to our mare, all three have run very well.
We'd have been delighted to finish in first three, for what its worth.

So, there you go.
Another excellent ride from Craig Nichol who had a very willing partner in Stainsby Girl whose relaxed manner in the paddock was very much to the credit of groom Laura Arnott - young in years but so, so mature in horse management.
And special mention to Georgina (Shiels) too, who rides out Stainsby Girl at home each morning.

Stainsby Girl (on the right) with her regular morning rider Georgina