SELKIRK trainer Stuart Coltherd maintained his recent run of success by saddling winners on consecutive days at Carlisle and Ayr last week, writes John Smail.

At Carlisle on Sunday, February 24, Stuart’s son Sam piloted Budarri to victory in the Racing TV Handicap Steeplechase at odds of 11-2 - the six-year-old gelding’s second victory in four weeks.

It was the 20-year-old jockey’s 40th career win.

At Ayr the following day, Graystown – ridden by Irish jockey Brian Hughes - won the Tennents Raceday Handicap Steeplechase at odds of 7-2. It was the seven-year-old gelding’s maiden win on only his fourth run over fences.

So did the double victory come as a surprise to the Clarilawmuir-based trainer?

He told us: “The horses all season have been going well, knocking on the door so to speak. Of course having two winners in two days was very pleasing, but I wouldn’t say it was a surprise.

“I thought Graystown was down to a winnable handicap mark, while with Budarri it was a question of whether he could follow up his Newcastle victory and keep progressing, which he has done.

“This has certainly been a busy season for us. Our stables are full, and the biggest challenge is trying to keep all our horses fit and healthy. Touch wood things have been going pretty well to date, so long may it continue.”