Jefferson thrilled to take Kelso feature with Lavida Adiva

Lavida Adiva relished the step up in trip to give Ruth Jefferson a welcome big winner in the Ladbrokes ‘Big-Value You Can Bet On’ Mares’ Hurdle at Kelso.

Jefferson has suffered the misfortune of losing a couple of her best horses this season, so this Listed success will give the whole yard a boost.

Lavida Adiva, ridden confidently by Brian Hughes, had won at Aintree on Boxing Day and finished second at Market Rasen before slightly disappointing at Ayr last time out.

Sent off a 5-1 chance, Hughes waited while Sacre Coeur and then the favourite Wyenot pressed on, but the former champion always looked to have a double handful and so it proved, winning by nine lengths from Ottizini, who ruined her claims by jumping out to the right.

“It was a fairly run race, it was her first time up in that class and over that trip and some of those against her had run in those races before, but she took advantage on the day, that’s all she can do,” said Jefferson.

“It’s lovely for Drew and Ailsa (Russell, owners) as they are good supporters of mine. We’ve had some good horses in the past, we’ve had some good luck and we’ve had some bad luck.

“She wasn’t a hugely expensive horse and she’s been consistent so it’s nice to win a big race like that for them.

“Winning a race like this, with a horse like her and for owners like Drew and Ailsa, big supporters of northern racing, are everything what this series is about.”

Hughes doubled up on Donald McCain’s Malicash (6-1) who took advantage of the fall of Rocheval in the Ladbrokes ‘Get Rewarded With Ladbucks’ Novices’ Hurdle.

The Lucinda Russell-trained pair of Cadell and Your Own Story dominated the Ladbrokes ‘Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing’ Handicap Chase throughout, with Cadell just holding on.

With Derek Fox sidelined through injury, Alan Doyle stepped in for the ride and got the fractions spot on from the front on the 15-8 joint-favourite.

The likes of The Last Samuri, Yala Enki and Kitty’s Light are recent winners of the race, with all going on to have good careers.

Doyle told ITV Racing: “Best wishes to Derek, he should be here instead of me but I was delighted to get the call.

“This track is a bit tight for him, he didn’t handle the top bend that well but he’s an improving horse, he was down to a good mark and he took advantage of it.

“It’s a great credit to everyone in the yard to be turning these horses out in this form at the end of a very long season.

“I want to say thank you to Derek as he told me how to ride him and he was spot on.”

Russell, who enjoyed a treble at Musselburgh on Friday, then made it 150 winners at Kelso when Starlyte (12-1) ran out a ready winner of the Ladbrokes Go North Cab On Target Handicap Hurdle under Patrick Wadge.

“This is the sort of horse I love, she’s only tiny, she’s slow but she’s got the heart of a lion,” said Russell.

“I love this track, I’ve many happy memories and my first hunter chase winner was here.”