'He loves it here' - Big River boosts Kelso record with Borders National win

Sunday: Kelso

The veteran Big River landed an emotional success in the 4m½f Scottish Borders National for owner Deborah Thompson and trainer Lucinda Russell.

The 11-year-old has now won seven of his ten starts at the Scottish track, finishing second on two occasions and being unlucky in the 2019 Borders National when brought down.

"He loves it round here," Russell told Racing TV.

"I'm glad they put on a four-mile race for him, he certainly needs the distance. When we saw the ground had changed to soft this morning we were very happy."

Jockey Derek Fox, who won back-to-back runnings aboard Neptune Equester in 2014 and 2015, brought Big River home in front by two and three-quarter lengths.

"I half thought he was a bit far back, but Derek knows him so well and lets him get into a rhythm. Although he's an 11-year-old he’s finally grown up, he’s more relaxed," the trainer said.

On what it means for Thompson, who runs her horses in the distinctive Two Black Labs silks, Russell added: "Debs is very passionate about her horses, it's her local course and she's in a bit of a state – she was crying quite a lot.

"That's what it's all about, it's great for the owners and it means a lot to them."

Bushypark adds to winning tally

Bushypark ran out a comfortable four-length winner of the 2m7½f novice limited handicap chase for trainer Philip Kirby. The seven-year-old has now won six of his last seven starts, his only blip coming in a bumper.

The mount of Tommy Dowson put in a flawless round of jumping, but his task was made simpler as the favourite Doyen Breed was the only other finisher of the four runners.

Results, replays and analysis

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