Fantastic four: Thomson celebrates another Borders National win with Viking

Harry The Viking showcased the most endearing battling qualities to deny Calett Mad and secure a fantastic fourth consecutive success for trainer Sandy Thomson in the Persimmon Homes Scottish Borders National at his local track.

Neptune Equester landed the £50,000 marathon chase for Thomson in 2014 and 2015, with 13-year-old Harry The Viking repeating his 2016 heroics to defeat his seven-year younger rival by half a length.

Calett Mad ranged upsides Harry The Viking, owned by Jim Beaumont and the trainer’s wife Quona, going to the last but the teenager produced a spectacular leap – clearing the fence as if it was the first – and repelled the favourite on the run-in under conditional jockey Rachael McDonald.