Racing returns to the Border track on Monday, March 22 with Buccleuch Cup Day, which is normally staged on the Border Bank Holiday, but due to Easter this meeting has been moved forward nearly a fortnight this year.

The first race is off at 2.10pm with gates opening at 12.10pm.

Brewin Dolphin, a new sponsor to Kelso are at the Border track to support the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. They have generously agreed to provide the contribution towards the prize money for the Buccleuch Cup, Kelso’s feature hunters chase. This race is for maiden hunter chasers and has attracted the usual competitive field, previous winners include the brilliant Robbers Glen, Dun Rose and Luksar. Jonathan Tweedie from Brewin Dolphin will be on hand to do the presentations after the race. Kelly Bryson completed her first treble between flags recently and she could ride Lady Brig who was third in this last years event. Ann’s Delight, pulled up in the 2008 La Touche Cup at Punchestown, and is another possible in this prestigious race.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers are using this day as a charitable fund raiser and will be enjoying a lunch in the Tweedie Stand, an anonymous donor has generously provided the funds for the competitive handicap hurdle, which will be run under the Princess Royal Trust for Carers banner. Joe Scott Plummer from Main House is the local Chairman of PRTC and he and has team have put in a huge amount of work into maximising this day for the Charity. He said: “We are very grateful to Kelso Races for allowing us to use the racecourse for fundraising, and delighted that we have been so well supported by local and Edinburgh businesses. We have a full compliment of 200 people for our fund raising lunch.”

The Princes Royal Trust for Carers Handicap Steeple Chase has attracted Teeando a possible for this competitive chase from Sue Smith’s Bingley yard withy Nicky Richards considering the race for his Greystoke raider Windy Hills.

Another new sponsor to Kelso is D G Pryde Ltd; this financial advisory service from Bo’Ness in West Lothian, has taken the 2mile 6 the novice chase, the second race on the card. Douglas Pryde and his fellow director, Allan Ellis will be on hand with their staff to enjoy the day, and will be presenting the winning connections with their mementos. Micky Hammond enjoys his trips to the Borders track and Tranos may make the journey north from his Middleham yard. Norminster is no stranger to the track and Selkirk’s Rayson Nixon is a big supporter of Kelso.

The first race is off at 2.10 and is sponsored by The Green Tree Hotel in Peebles. Arc Warrior could represent Andrew Parker as he bids for a profitable spring. Langholm-based Shelly Johnstone may run her six-year-old Soneva Gili.