THE Melrosian, the Standard Bearer, and the Cornets have all had their week in the spotlight, and now it's time for the Braw Lad and Braw Lass to shine, with biggest week in the Galashiels calendar now underway.
After a jam-packed weekend, the first official ride-out of the Braw Lads' Gathering allowed this year's principals no time for rest.
At Monday's Lindean Ride-out, the Braw Lad Mark Hood and Braw Lass Alex Mundell showed no signs of tiredness despite having little time to recover from Saturday night's ball and the Sports Day on Sunday
Mark puts this down to sheer excitement: "Everything so far has flown by," he said. "It's been non-stop and really full on, but I was wide awake at 6am this morning buzzing to go - it's just the excitement of it all, you're always raring to go.
"I'm off for another week after this weekend though, which I think I'll probably need!"
Braw Lass Alex agreed: "We've been so busy all last week with Peebles and Melrose, I think it's the adrenaline that keeps us going, you just wake up every morning just excited about what's coming up that day."
A total of 184 riders saddled up and supported their Braw Lad and Braw Lass as they made their way across the River Tweed and towards the historic Lindean Kirk, where the annual service was given by Reverend Duncan McCosh.
Braw Lad Mark Hood laid a wreath at Preachers Pillar, before the cavalcade returned to Galashiels via Hollybush for the most thrilling part of the night; The Chase.
Those racing gallop up the chase fields at grand-national pace, which is a favourite among the spectators and riders alike.
The Principals' Race is always full of friendly rivalry, with the Braw Lad and Lass each going for the win.
Braw Lass Alex was thundering towards the finish line and first place was almost hers, just as the Braw Lad crept up at the last second and beat her by a nose.
"I can't believe I got beat!" Alex laughed, as she pointed at Mark. "I was winning and Mark came out of nowhere right at the very end!"
Chase Winners:
Ex-Principals Race: Ex-Braw Lad Ryan Mania
Pony Race: Abbie Robertson
Over 45 Race: Nick Mill
Ladies Race: Katie Simpson
Gents Race: Lewis Hyslop
Both Mark and Alex are, understandably, most looking forward to Saturday; the pinnacle of the Braw Lads Gathering.
Neither of them are expecting to get much sleep the night before and cannot wait for the day to begin. However, Saturday also marks the end of the most spectacular week of their lives, which brings with it a touch of sadness.
"I think I will get emotional," explained Alex. "Maybe not during, but definitely afterwards when it all hits you that it's coming to an end."
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