Hexham runners today (Thursday)

Hexham begin their Spring Season today (Thursday) with a 6-race card on ground with an advance going description of heavy.

In theory, having won over course and distance earlier in November (going was soft that day), this should suit Lady Villanelle who carries top weight in the opening race, a Class 4 2m handicap hurdle for Conditional Jockeys. And Mares Only. Off time is 12.40.

However, according to Racing Post Ratings (RPR) she has a bit to find with 4 of her 6 rivals. Gamesters Icon had been showing steady progression until her run last week when stepped up in trip at Carlisle. Back down to 2 miles, if this race hasn't come too soon she'll present a lively opponent.
Most of the others are looking to recover from below par efforts in recent runs although West End Lady also ran well over course and distance when chasing home a useful pair on hurdling debut back in November.

Good luck to TD9 Racing with Blair Campbell in the saddle.

Lady Villanelle (Laura, pink cap) and the Multiplex gelding (Garry) lead Undecided (Callum)

Third race on the day is a 2 mile novice hurdle and we run a couple of hurdling debutants in Our Percy and Kinerton Hill, both for new owners to the yard but Kenny Lynn and Angela & Simon Gillie have been racehorse owners in the Borders for many years.

Both are nice types but will no doubt benefit from racing experience.

Our Percy was bought last year out of Charlie Longsdon's stable having had time off to recover from injury, racing just the once in a bumper for Trevor Hemmings. Callum Bewley rides.
Kinerton Hill was in training here last Spring but has only recently returned to Dodlands after a spell of pre-training. Sean Quinlan has been booked for the ride.

Our Percy (Georgina) leads Kinerton Hill (Callum)