Favourite Edgardo Sol fails to take hurdle in stride

THE chief supporting race to the Coral Scottish Grand National was the Isle of Skye Blended Whisky Scottish Champion Hurdle, which proved a disappointment to favourite-backers as Edgardo Sol ran his race the way a fish bicycles.

Scots-born trainer Alan King sent Raya Star north to win under Robert Thornton at 15-2, finishing more than three lengths ahead of Local Hero.

There was considerable controversy over the first race where the starter did not call a first start, though the flag bearer appeared to signal one, but all bar a few riders in the Purvis Marquees Racing Excellence Hands and Heels handicap hurdle kept going and Grandioso at 5-1 gave champion trainer-elect Nicholls the first leg of the day’s treble.

Nicholls looks to have a very good prospect in Pacha Du Polder, the winning favourite in the Arcadia Consulting William Dickie and Mary Robertson Future Champion Novices Chase.

Ruby Walsh’s double for Nicholls was brought up by 100-30 favourite Doeslessthanme in the Scotty Brand Handicap Chase, while trainer Nicky Henderson brought up a double with Cucumber Run winning the Ayrshire Hospice Making Today Matter Handicap Hurdle at 10-1, and odds-on favourite River Maigue winning the closing Killie Pie bumper, Barry Geraghty in the plate on both winners.

Problema Tic won the Weatherbys Bloodstock Novices’ Handicap Chase at 6-1 for trainer David Pipe and jockey Tom Scudamore, the winner doing the job cosily and proving himself one to keep an eye on.

The top southern yards won the day in numerical terms, but the big one stayed in Scotland, courtesy of Raymond Anderson Green, Andrew Parker, Timmy Murphy and the matchless Merigo.