Lucinda Russell’s Bold Sir Brian lifted the Grade 2 totepool Premier Kelso Hurdle in impressive fashion under Peter Buchanan at odds of 20-1 at Kelso on Saturday, March 5.

Bold Sir Brian scooped the first prize for Duns owners Alexander and Julia Trotter as the Alistair Whillans-trained 6-4 fav Storm Brig finished a disappointing seventh in the 2m 2f, £30,000 showpiece race in front of a 3900 crowd which was up 4% on last years total.

“I’m thrilled as physically and mentally he’s still very immature. We’ll consider Aintree. It’s a great thrill for Alexander and Julia,” said an elated Russell.

Golfer’s Crossing (10-1), ridden by Campbell Gillies in the colours of Lord Leigh, sealed a memorable 230-1 brace for the all-conquering Milnathort yard in the Voice of Rugby Handicap Hurdle.

Nicky Richards’ Skippers Brig (3-1) and Brian Harding beat Donald McCain’s 8-13 fav Ballabriggs in a great finish to the totesport.com Premier Chase with the sponsors rating the winner at 25-1 (from 50-1) for the Grand National on April 9.

Richards said of the David Stevenson-owned Skippers Brig: “Brian gave him a great ride. I’d love to go for the National but he wants softer than good to soft going.”

Malcolm Jefferson’s 14-year-old Polar Gunner won the Bedmax Handicap Chase at odds of 18-1 under James Halliday and Wilson Renwick excelled on Howard Johnson’s 6-4 fav Nine Stories in the Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Chase.

Jim Goldie’s Pokfulham won the Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle under Richie McGrath at 4-1 and Simon Shirley-Beavan’s Quotica de Poyans (11-8 fav) starred in the Royal Caledonian Hunt Hunters’ Chase, winning under Chris Dawson in grand style.