THE RETURN OF GRADE 1 WINNER CORNERSTONE LAD.

We have three runners on Saturday, with one at Musselburgh on the flat on good ground, and two over the jumps at Hexham, where the ground is also good, and they are watering.

'The return of Grade 1 winner Cornerstone Lad' is not the first time I have written those words, and it is great to have the horse who gave Micky his biggest training success in the 2019 'Fighting Fifth' hurdle at Newcastle back on the track. At 11 years old Cornerstone Lad is not the athlete he once was, but as long as he enjoys his racing, the longer he will be allowed to compete. The handicapper has taken notice, and he can now race from a mark of 102, his lowest ever rating. Cornerstone Lad runs at Hexham at 4.40.pm, in the 0-105 handicap chase, over two miles and four furlongs, with Brian Hughes, who has ridden him four times previously, taking the ride.

Our other runner at Hexham is Community Rebel, who was a recent purchase at the Doncaster sales. Community Rebel, is a nine year old gelding who has only raced on 13 occasions to date, which includes four runs in point to points in 2022. He is the winner of a maiden hurdle in January 2023, but after pulling up next time he was off the track for the next 20 months, he has since run in three chases having had wind surgery. Community Rebel runs at 5.15.pm, in the 0-110 handicap chase, over three miles with Alice Stevens taking the ride.

Arranmore is our runner on the flat at Musselburgh, when he goes to post for the 0-55 handicap, over one mile, with his regular rider Aiden Brookes taking the ride. Arranmore has struck good form of late when finishing third at Wolverhampton last month, and then backing that up at Ripon 12 days later when finishing third again, in a race where the form is working out well. Unfortunately Arranmore has been unlucky with the draw, having to come out of stall 13, but he should be in the shake up.

To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, Sharp Hill, and Curlew, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.

Good luck to the connections, Mrs B M Lofthouse, Aleem Kanji, and The Rat Pack Racing Club.

Cornerstone Lad.