Skippers takes charge at Kelso

Leading John Smith’s Grand National contender Ballabriggs had to settle for second in the totesport.com Premier Chase at Kelso as Skippers Brig spoiled the party.

Sent off at 8-13, Cheltenham Festival winner Ballabriggs jumped superbly for Jason Maguire, apart from standing off the second-last, and Donald McCain’s 10-year-old looked to have done everything right when pinging the final fence.