Return Fire ran over fences at Musselburgh on Sunday 18th February in the 3.20pm Watch Racing TV Now Handicap Chase (Class 4) (Go North Red Rum Series Qualifier) 2m 71/2f. Fire last ran at Musselburgh over hurdles in March 2022 on Good ground, so we were cautiously optimistic that he would run well. Although it can't be said that he ran badly, he was again below form with initial thoughts being that he was hindered by the speed favouring track. He popped away fine in a handy position for a circuit, but he lost places when getting in close to the ninth and had gotten shuffled back to last by the time they jumped the eleventh. He does however derserve credit for rallying back into fourth, though in truth he never really looked like getting back on terms, and whilst returning to a more galloping track should suit, he could also be worth trying in headgear, as he did shape in a similar fashion at Carlisle last time out. The handicapper has dropped him 1lb, which hopefully he can use to his advantage next time out.

Picture of our lovely syndicate members in the Parade Ring Pre Race.

Return Fire went back up in trip at his recent run at Carlisle, but he wasn't in the same form as he was in his twp previous starts this seaon (his Kelsp form was franked by the winner, Red Happy following up on earlier in the card). Patrick reported that the ground, which was given as soft, was simply too tacky and gholding for him, and he was hating it, it was a similar scenario in January 2023 at Wetherby. It was a rather up and down race from a  positional perspective, as having jumped off in front he soon drifted back towards the rear, before working his way back through the field. At the bottom of the hill he looked a contender to play a hand at the finish, but his effort flattened out from there, and it could be that coming back in trip and slightly better ground will suit moving forwards. Grateful to have Patrick on board, who looked after Fire when he realised he was hating the going, top marks young man.

Photo of Fire letting us know what he thought of the going, courtesy of Nic Crofts.

Return Fire aquitted himself well when stepping up in grade at Kelso on Saturday 11th November in the Paxtons for Kverneland Machinery & Genuine Spares Wishing Well Handicap Chase over 2m 51/2f. Derek took the ride, with him and Fire having a few disagreements about where he should be taking off at a fence, causing his jumping to not be as fluent on the first round, but this improved as the race went on, with his jump at the 2nd last noteably giving him a great chance to go after the leader, the winner just quicking up the better. Fire stuck to his task well but was unable to claw back the advantage and was unfortunately passed for second in the final 100 yards. He is clearly effective over this trip, though 3m is probably his optimum, and we will look to get him back up in distance next time out.

Big shout out to all at LRR for having Return Fire in tip top condition, and a special memtion to Jaimie who had Fire gleaming and was awared Best Turned Out for Fire on Saturday.

Picture Courtesy of Alan Raeburn.

Return Fire made his seasonal reappearnace for us at Hexham on Friday 6th October after his planned visit to Perth was abandoned due to a water logged track.

He took advantage of the drop in grade to get his season off to the perfect start. The opposition wasn't of a particularly high standard (he didn't need to improve on last seaons form to come out on top) and visually he was only workmanlike in victory, but the bare form of this performance is worth marking up, Fire battling well in a finish that placed the emphasis far more on speed than he is used to. This race actually producing a significatantly faster sectional time from 3 out to the line than the 1m71/2f Novices' Handicap Chase that took place earlier on the card (63.92 seconds compared to 69.75). His jumping was foot perfect, he looked a confident horse, and his jump at the second last was excellent under pressure. He will no doubt face stiffer tests moving forward, but he is tough, consistent and looks set for another good campaign in handicaps in the North.

Excellent photo of Fire jumping the water courtesy of Grossicks.

Petite Rhapsody

Given another crack at 3m, took a big step back in the right direction, Timeform adjudging him to have run only 6lb below the level he achieved when winning over 2½m at Perth back in May. He was able to travel better returned to the longer trip, albeit he still raced a little behind the bridle, his jumping also a bit scrappy from an early stage. That was perhaps due to the sticky ground, but the general way he is currently racing leads you to believe that continuing around 3m is the best option moving forward and we can be optimistic of him getting close to the pick of his form next time, especially given his mark is likely to drop another pound or two.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Wednesday 17th May 2023 where he came home in 1st place.

Rocco jumped superbly throughout his race again, but this time around he was much nearer the pace turning for home. The favourite kicked on but Rocco was having none of it and went with him. Rocco was still quite a few lengths down jumping the last, but stuck on gamely and battled his way to a head victory.

What a reception he received coming back into the winner's enclosure with his groom Vicky. This was another superb ride by Patrick wadge and he is just getting better and better. Many thanks to all at Lucinda Russell Racing and Perth racecouse for looking after us all so well.

Return Fire ran in the Higland National on Friday 28th April 2023 at Perth racecourse.

This was another solid effort in what was his toughest test to date. Up in trip and grade, Fire never really posed a significant win threat, but he did look like he would challenge for the places before his effort just flattened out and he came home in 6th place.

A well deserved Summer break now for Fire and what a brilliant first season he has had as a novice chaser.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Thursday 27th April 2023 where he was unable to make the anticipated step forward from his last run at Hexham.

Rocco travelled and jumped well but failed to pick up off the bridle, his usual finishing burst just wasn't there. Rocco should be back down in grade on his next outing so every chance of a return to form.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Hexham on Tuesday 28th March 2023 where he finished 5th on his seasonal reappearance.

Rocco was just moving into contention and was travelling well when he stood off to far at the second last hurdle, pitching on landing, losing all momentum and any chance of winning. Frustrating on the day but Rocco is clearly up and running and ready for a campaign around Perth.

Return Fire ran at Carlisle racecourse on Sunday 26th March 2023 in the Go North Red Rum Final where he claimed 3rd spot.

Fire produced another creditable effort, jumping much better on this occasion returned to a softer surface. Fire is still a novice and he is yet to finish outside of the first four over fences this season. Well done Fire and Patrick on another very good solid performance.

Return Fire ran at Newcastle racecourse on Thursday 16th February 2023 where he finished 2nd.

Fire wasn't at his best on this occasion, not jumping as fluently as he can, resulting in him clouting the fence 2 out and him having to settle for 2nd place. The evidence would suggest he is able to jump better on softer ground.

Return Fire ran at Wetherby on Thursday 26th January 2023 where he finished in 4th place. Fire ran another sound race but was unable to find any improvement from his last race at Ayr. Tacky holding ground seemed to be against him here but his jumping was very good again, apart from a couple of small mistakes. He has now qualified for the Go North Red Rum series final at Carlilse in March but he will probably run again before that.

Return fire ran at Ayr racecourse on Thursday 22nd December 2022 where he finished a creditable 4th.

Fire had a fair rise in grade from class 5 up to class 3 but he did not let us down and we hope he can make a bigger impact in this sort of company in the future.

We will probably drop back down in grade for now as some nice opportunities coming up for Fire.

Return Fire ran at Newcastle racecourse on Thursday 10th November 2022 where he won again to record his second win in the space of a week.

Fire's jumping stood up well around these stiffer fences and Patrick clearly gets a great tune out of him.

Fire remains open to improvement as a chaser and a bold bid to complete the hat-trick looks very much on the cards from a horse who is a much stronger individual than 12 months ago.

Return Fire won at Hexham racecourse on Friday 4th November 2022 where he won in clear-cut fashion by 13 lengths.

Fire proved a cut above his rivals jumping soundly the whole way round this 3m chase. Patrick gave Fire a lovely ride keeping him in the top 2 until the top of the hill before kicking for home to win emphatically.

Exciting times ahead for TVC and Return Fire.

Return Fire ran at Perth racecourse on Thursday 22nd September 2022 where he finished in 3rd place. 

Fire was making his chasing debut and there were positives to take out of his first race over fences. His jumping was a little bit novicey up against more experienced rivals but he can be fancied to make a bigger impact next time after this pipe opener. We should have some exciting times ahead this winter with Fire.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Wednesday 21st September 2022 where he finished in 5th place.

Rocco never looked at the top of his game from the word go and generally appeared flat. As a result, and having been in training since the early part of the year, now is the perfect time to give Rocco a very well deserved break. He has been an absolute star for us this season and I am sure there are many more good days ahead with a horse who always tries his best.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Wednesday 27th July 2022 where he finished in 3rd place.

Rocco wasn't seen to best effect dropping back in trip, totally unsuited by a slowly-run affair that turned into a sprint up the home straight.

Rocco is jumping fluently and is much more settled these days so maybe more prominent tactics may help going forward. We shouldn't forget though that Rocco hasn't been out of the top 3 so far at Perth this season and is running consistently well.

Petite Rhapsody (Rocco) ran well again at Perth racecourse on Thursday 30th June 2022 coming home 2nd for the third time this season at perth.

Patiently ridden as usual, he came from 2 out with every chance of winning but couldn't keep up with the improving Glen Ava.

We may drop Rocco back to 2m4f next time, but we have no doubt that our horse is very consistent at the moment and hopefully another win from him soon.

Petite Rhapsody (Rocco) continued on his upward curve, finishing 2nd at Perth racecourse on Sunday 5th June 2022.

Rocco hit the front from 2 out but couldn't hold off the challenge from Glen Ava in a thrilling battle to the line.

We now know Rocco stays 3 miles so we have plenty of options for him now over this distance and he will have no trouble dropping back to 2m 4f also.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Wednesday 11th may 2022 where he narrowly failed to follow up from last time coming home in a fantastic 2nd place.

Rocco has suddenly found things clicking into place, producing another chunk of improvement. We will probably face another rise in the weights for this effort, but he hopefully can remain capable of better still on this evidence.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Friday 22nd April where he bolted in by 7 1/2 lengths to win his first race. It was also joy for Rocco's jockey Patrick Wadge as it was his first win under rules too.

Rocco was hugely impressive as he settled what looked a competitive handicap on paper in a matter of strides from the second last hurdle.

He'll be due a fair hike in the handicap on the back of this, but he surely has more improvement in him after this. 

Return Fire ran at Musselburgh racecourse on Friday 25th March 2022 where he came home in 8th place. Fire was well backed with plenty seemingly in his favour, but he didn't give his true running and it looks like the Musselburgh track maybe sharper than ideal. Fire will be back though and still lots to look forward to with him.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Musselburgh racecourse on Friday 25th March 2022 where he finished 2nd. He duly took a big step forward, producing a career-best effort in defeat, going down by just a neck in a driving finish. He travelled and jumped well and he is more than capable of winning races for us soon.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Newcastle racecourse on Tuesday 8th March 2022 where he came home in a very encouraging 5th place. This should set Rocco up perfectly for a summer of racing at our beloved Perth racecourse.

Return Fire ran at Kelso racecourse on Friday 18th February 2022 where he finished back in the winners enclosure with a good 3rd place. 

Fire has now qualified for the Go North Brindisi Breeze series Final at Musselburgh in March. Fire deserves credit for the way he plugged on in ground that was far from ideal for him and he will now get ready to give it his all in the final.

WELL DONE FIRE!!!

Return Fire ran at Newcastle racecourse on Tuesday 18th January where he came home in a disappointing 9th place.

The overriding impression is that this race came too soon after his race at Kelso for him to be at his best. Fire travelled well and looked well but we are going to give him a little break before hopefully he will bounce back fighting. 

Return Fire ran at Kelso racecourse on Wednesday 29th December 2021 where he ran creditably coming home in 3rd place. 

Fire held every chance of winning as he jumped the second last but just couldn't quite go with the front pair.

Fire is certainly consistent and with a little help from the handicapper maybe he will get his head in front sooner rather than later.

Return Fire ran at Aintree racecourse on Saturday 4th December where he finished in a brilliant 3rd place treating club members to a visit of the winners enclosure.

It was a solid handicap debut with his jumping being much better than his previous run at Kelso. Fire stuck on really well and looks an out an out stayer with a superb attitude. Fire seems like a really nice horse who can progress further especially over fences in the near future. Happy days for all of us at TVC.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Ayr racecourse on Tuesday 16th November 2021 where he finished out of the places.

This was a better race than his previous one but Rocco was not at the same level as last time and never really looked like getting involved from the rear. He's had a busy time of things this season, so maybe he just ran a little flat.

Return Fire made his debut at Kelso racecourse on November 6th 2021.

Fire ran a cracking race on his debut for TVC, bustling up Mr Whitaker who is currently rated 145 over fences and who has won at the Cheltenham Festival in the past. This was a huge step up on Fire's Irish form and there is still room for improvement. 2nd place on his debut for us was brilliant and very exciting times for all of us at TVC.

Petite Rhapsody (Rocco) ran at Ayr racecourse on Monday 25th October where he finished in a fine 2nd place.

Rocco handled the quicker ground and confirmed the promise of his previous run at Perth, showing no ill effects in terms of his jumping as he really responded for derek as he fired him at the last two hurdles, simply just unforntunate to bump into a good horse on the day. Rocco has definately learned to settle better and a win is just around the corner surely...

Our new boy Return Fire parading at Perth racecourse before racing starts on Thursday 23rd September 2021 (see link below) Many thanks to club member Alan Lamb for this footage.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Wednesday 22nd September 2021 where unfortunately he fell at the 2nd last hurdle.

Petite Rhapsody was running his most competitive race so far for us before he stepped at two out and came down. The return to softer ground seemed to suit him and he definately settled better without the hood. Rocco was unlucky and looked as if he would definately challenge the winner and I think we can be optimistic about Rocco getting his head in front sooner rather than later.

Petite Rhapsody ran at Perth racecourse on Monday 6th September but didn't show the promise he showed at Perth previously finishing in a disappointing 8th place.

Rocco definately settled better this time but when asked to go on the final bend he didn't respond and finished well beaten in the end. Some more valuable racing experience for Rocco and lets hope we get a tune out of him next time.

Petite Rhapsody ran on Saturday 14th August at Perth racecourse and although he came home in last place this run was still very encouraging.

Rocco (stable name) just needs to settle a bit more out the back in his races then be produced late to hopefully gallop all the way to the line and the winners enclosure.

Vino's choice ran on Wednesday 28th July at Perth racecourse where he finished in 4th place.

Vino's seemed to loose ground after almost jumping into the back of another horse at 4 out but he stayed on well and almost grabbed 3rd spot.

Definately improvment from Vino's choice and I am sure we will see him back in the winners enclosure in the near future.

Vino's choice made his debut for TVC on Thursday 1st July 2021 at Perth racecourse but unfortunately he was pulled up on his final circuit, having bled from the nose.

Vino's seemed to be travelling well and was looking good but he quickly lost ground between the fourth and third last so Derek wisely pulled him up.

Vino's seems to be fine now and obviously this is disappointing but hopefully we will see him back at Perth soon and we might have something to cheer about for a change? we are certainly due a change in luck so keep the faith one and all.

I really don't know where to start with this club news update. Tears are streaming down my face as I write this and I still can't believe it's true? but it is. Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our warrior and legend Orioninverness AKA Borris on Thursday 27th May 2021.

Borris tradgically broke his leg which couldn't be fixed in a freak accident whilst he was on his holidays in the field.

Borris was an absolute genuine lovely horse who gave it all every time he raced. I was lucky enough to see him arrive as a baby and was there at Ayr to see his first race in a bumper. I was also lucky enough to be at Hexham the last time he won in March 2021.

Borris was never going to be a world beater but he proved a lot of people wrong including myself as he just dug in and got his act together and became a fantastic horse for our club a legend in fact.

Our club won't feel the same without him and we are going to miss him massively but we will carry on, keep fighting and pick ourselves up because that's what Borris would of done. He will never be forgotten.

5 chase wins and numerous placed efforts from Borris gave us all some fabulous days out and memories that will never be forgotten too.

Royal Reserve made his TVC and chasing debut on Wednesday 12th May 2021 at Perth racecourse. RR made an ok debut for us with a few jumping errors but all in all and on ground probably softer than ideal I think we will have some fun with him this season. 

Orioninverness ran at hexham racecourse on Thursday 18th March 2021 where he put in a decent performance and round of jumping only to be mugged on the line by Cash again. This would and should of been his third win of the season but he just couldn't hang on after going for home from the second last. 

Another good performance by Borris, what a legend he has become for our club and judging on this form he will be winning again soon that's for sure!! Happy days indeed.

Orioninverness returned to the track on Monday 18th January 2021 at Ayr where he unfortunately finished without his jockey Stephen. 

Borris was travelling and jumping ok but unluckily for us a horse to his right hand side jumped into him and bumped Stephen off. 

Disappointing and  just bad luck but horse and jockey home safe and sound. 

Orioninverness ran at Hexham racecourse on the 9th December 2020 and was very disappointing. Another big run was expected from Borris but it didn't happen and he just didn't seem himself? this horse is genuine and when he runs like this you know something isn't right... He will be checked over and hopefully he will be back doing what he does best... winning races.

Touchedbyanangel ran for TVC on Wednesday 4th November 2020 for the last time. Angel was very disappointing and obviously doesn't want to race anymore so he moves on to pastures new where we hope he has a lovely time and enjoys his new life.

Orioninverness ran at Hexham on Sunday 25th October 2020 where he was outstanding again but just couldn't hold off a late challenge from Graystown and the result was a dead heat. Borris put in another great performance and was very unlucky having to share the spoils but it takes nothing away from what was a brilliant all round performance by horse and jockey. Borris loves Hexham and I'm sure we will be back soon looking for another win... happy days.

Touchedbyanangel ran at Kelso for the first time over fences on Saturday 24th October 2020 where he finished 4th staying on late in the race. This was a better performance by Angel and maybe jumping fences is the way forward? hopefully we might have some better runs from him now? Racing post had him down as an eyecatcher so fingers crosed.

Orioninverness ran at Hexham racecourse on Friday 2nd October and just 9 days after his win at Perth. Borris put in another good performance finishing 2nd to a very well handicapped horse and we can safely say now that we seem to have our horse back!! he looks very capable of being very competitive with another win a huge possibility.

Orioninverness went back to Perth racecourse on the 23rd september 2020 and won the same race he won in 2018. Borris was simply outstanding and was ridden superbly by stephen. Definately the best round of jumping Borris has ever put in and the new head gear made a huge difference. Borris is back and there seems to be no reason now why he cant build on this... HAPPY DAYS.

Touchedbyanangel was quickly turned back out at Perth on 7th September 2020 and a better run and different tactics was expected & tried. Unfortunately Angel disappointed again but did take a knock jumping his hurdles so we shall give him the benefit of the doubt this time.

Orioninverness ran at Carlisle racecourse on Thursday 5th March 2020 where he came home in 4th place.

Borris was never really happy and possibly Carlisle track doesn't suit him? he certainly got outpaced but the main problem was he kept backing off his fences which is a worry.

fingers crossed next time at maybe Hexham or Newcastle we can see the real Borris.

Not a great start to 2020 for Orioninverness and TVC as our boy pulled up two out at Newcastle racecourse on Saturday 4th January.

Borris has lost his form that's for sure and quite obviously something is bothering him, but we need to keep the faith and hopefully he can return to form as quick as he has lost his form.

Orioninverness ran at Hexham racecourse on Wednesday 11th December where he ran another below par performance finishing 4th of 5 runners.

A combination of poor jumping and carrying top weight on really heavy ground found Borris out and hopefully he will be sharper next time out.

Touchedbyanangel ran at Musselburgh on Monday 25th November where he was a disappointing 9th of 11 runners.

Not ideal ground again for Angel so a rest now in preparation for a good go at Perth next year on hopefully good ground.

Touchedbyanangel ran at Musselburgh racecourse on Wednesday 6th November.

Angel was running a good race until something went wrong before the last fence and Stephen wisely pulled him up. Angel knocked the inside of his canon and will hopefully be back out soon but we may have trouble finding ideal ground for him now.

Orioninverness ran at Ayr racecourse on Monday 28th October.

Borris was stepping up to 3 miles from his normal 2m 4f but unfortunately he got tired coming around the final bend and he looked a very tired horse jumping the last few fences in the home straight. Borris ran his usual sound, honest race giving his best as always but it was definately the 3 mile trip that caught him out this time and I'm sure we will see him back to his best over 2m 4f next time out.

Orioninverness ran at Hexham racecourse on Friday 4th October where he came home in a fine 2nd place.

Borris ran a super race under top weight and on heavy ground to just go down by a length to the winner. This was his first run back after a break and he showed us all what a brave, genuine and honest horse he really is.

Borris jumped well in the main and will no doubt come on for this run but we could do with the handicapper helping us out a liitle bit!! Lots to look forward to this Autumn/Winter with Borris.

Touchedbyanangel ran at Perth racecourse on Wednesday 25th September where he came home 5th.

Racing on ground again probably not ideal for him and over an extra 4 furlongs was just a bit to much for Angel although he ran and jumped really well.

Back to 2 miles next time and hopefully good ground should see Angel more competitive and he will be winning again soon for sure.