Racing: Kelso appoint two new board members

KELSO have appointed two new directors – Jane Millar and Robert Miller-Bakewell – to the board of the racecourse company and they will take up their new posts from 1 June.

Kelso chairman Johnny Jeffreys said: “I am absolutely delighted that Jane and Robert have agreed to join the board and I much look forward to working with them in the future.”

Ferneyhill-based Millar is chief executive of agricultural and motor engineering business Rutherfords of Earlston, while fellow racing enthusiast Miller-Bakewell, who worked in financial services, moved to the Borders in 2006 and lives near Melrose. He is also a director of Musselburgh Racecourse.

Meanwhile, Camelot heads just 12 remaining entries for the Investec derby at Epsom on Saturday. There were no supplements into the blue riband Classic, with the 2,000 Guineas winner due to go off the shortest-priced favourite for years, with some bookmakers already offering just 8-13 that he will complete a quick Classic double.

His trainer, Aidan O’Brien, has also left in Astrology, Father Of Science, Imperial Monarch and Tower Rock. Andrew Balding, who won the Oaks in 2003 with Casual Look, is represented by second-favourite Bonfire, winner of the Dante Stakes at York.

David Lanigan’s Main Sequence is defending an unbeaten record after his victory in a trial at Lingfield, while Richard Fahey will have his first Derby runner in Mickdaam. Rugged Cross, Thought Worthy, Minimise Risk and Hayley Turner’s mount Cavaleiro complete the possibles.

Epsom clerk of the course Andrew Cooper is planning some selective watering this week. The going is currently described as good to firm, good in the home straight, but Cooper is unsure what to expect in the coming days in terms of rainfall. “One thing we are fairly sure of is that things are going to get cooler,” said Cooper.

St Nicholas Abbey could face up to eight rivals when he defends his crown in the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup at Epsom on Saturday. Aidan O’Brien’s five-year-old gained a narrow verdict over top-class mare Midday in the mile-and-a-half Group One last season, which has this year been switched from its traditional Friday slot to Investec Derby day.

SELECTIONS

Chepstow

2.00 Al Emirati

2.30 Bermondsey Bob (nap)

3.00 Dark Ages

3.30 Budley

4.00 Tae Kwon Do

4.30 Smart Step

5.00 Stickleback

5.30 Manbaa

Lingfield

2.20 Lord Avonbrook

2.50 Chief Of Men

3.20 Efistorm

3.50 Archina

4.20 Dark Falcon

4.50 Pulverize

5.20 Muntasir

5.50 Ymir

Ripon

2.10 Star Of Rohm

2.40 Pinotage

3.10 Eastern Destiny

3.40 Toto Skyllachy

4.10 Dutch Rose

4.40 Joyful Motive

5.10 Stanley Rigby

Hexham

6.15 Devil Water

6.45 Impact Zone

7.15 Across The Tweed

7.45 Naid du Misselot

8.15 Madamlily

8.45 Carrietau

9.15 Northern Flame

Huntingdon

6.25 Festival Bound

6.55 Bromhead

7.25 Tri Nations

7.55 Unex Degas

8.25 Gee Dee Nen

8.55 Mexican Bob

Double

Bermondsey Bob

2:30 Chepstow

Eastern Destiny

3:10 Ripon