Hexham runners

Diamond Mix (No 8) winning at Hexham in April under jockey Lilly Pinchin

We have three runners at Hexham on Friday, kicking off with DIAMOND MIX (1.0) who makes his seasonal return in what looks a competitive handicap chase for a 0-110.

He’s been fit and ready to roll for a couple of weeks but quicker ground than you’d expect at this time of year means we’ve already had to miss a couple of previous engagements. Everything came together for him on his fourth and final start over fences in April, when he showed a really gutsy attitude to win over this course and distance under Lilly Pinchin.

He’s 5lb higher returning to the track now but he has Ryan Mania, who’s ridden him four times before, back on board, he jumps well and we know he’s effective at Hexham. He still has limited miles on the clock as a chaser and I’ll be disappointed if there isn’t more to come from him this season.

BALLBOUGH NELSON (1.35) is a lovely recruit to us for a new owner in Thomas Scott. He finished second in his only point-to-point in Ireland 18 months ago and is very much a 3m chaser in the making. He makes his debut in the maiden hurdle over 2m4f. We’re looking forward to finally getting him out on the track and we’ll know a lot more about him after he runs.

Finally, FLAMING NORMAN (3.53) is another debutant for new owners to us, Ray Calder and Marion Tillson, in the bumper. He’s been for a racecourse gallop before and, although he’s by Elusive Pimpernel, he hails from a very strong staying family that includes Grand National runner-up Pleasant Company. He’s only four and will probably come into his own over longer distances moving forwards, but he’s ready to go and it will be great to get some racing experience into him.