iPod helps 'amazing' Big River rack up eighth course win at Kelso

Sunday: Kelso

Lucinda Russell hailed Big River as "amazing" after the popular veteran continued his Kelso love-affair with a remarkable eighth victory at the track in the 2m7½f handicap chase.

Successful in the race two years ago, the 12-year-old landed the Borders National on his previous start and he defied his advancing years once more with a gallant six-length success under regular partner Derek Fox.

"He's an amazing horse," she told Racing TV. "He's had his troubles in the past. He had an atrial fibrillation, been lame and has pins in his legs, but he just loves it when he comes to Kelso. He's blooming at 12.

"I find it amazing that he has so much support outside of our little family. It's lovely to see a horse like him touch the hearts of so many people."

Russell also paid tribute to travelling head lass Jamie Duff, whose taste in music helps Big River – better known as Henry at the yard – come alive at Kelso.

She added: "He's very laid back at home but he gets anxious at the races, but Jamie is great with him. She's got an iPod she plays to him to dull out the sound of the commentary.

"For me, Kelso will always be about Big River."

On the up

The Nicky Richards-trained Soft Risk cemented his claims as a leading prospect for the north as he took his unbeaten record to four with an easy success in the 2m novice hurdle.

"It was a shame some hurdles were taken out, but he won well enough and there's no doubt he'll want better ground," Richards said.

Nasty fall

Lorcan Murtagh was taken to hospital with a suspected leg injury after suffering a nasty fall on Nakadam in the 2m7½f conditional jockeys' handicap chase won by To The Limit.

Results, replays and analysis

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