Boulders Beach justifies 'favourite' tag

Boulders Beach has justified odds-on favouritism in the Kelso Members "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.

But Sue Smith’s 8-13 shot made hard work of it after appearing to be in trouble at the second from home.

However, Boulders Beach responded gamely to Dominic Elsworth’s urgings to hit the front on the run-in and then hold the persistent challenge of Harry Flashman by a short head, with the winner’s stable companion Stagecoach Opal four lengths back in third.

The trainer was represented by her husband, Harvey Smith, who said Boulders Beach would be better suited by a step up to three miles.