BRIGHT FUTURE BECKONS

ALTHOUGH Neil Cruikshank has saddled winners in the past, until last month the Horsburgh Castle-based owner had never tasted victory with one of his own home-bred horses.

All that changed at Newcastle racecourse on Tuesday, January 29, when Budarri romped home to land the Ramside Hall Handicap Chase at odds of 11/4, beating second favourite Las Tunas by 1¼ lengths.

It was fitting that both Neil and his partner Kerrie McGinn were on hand to witness the horse's success, under jockey Sam Coltherd, as both have been closely involved with each stage of Budarri's development.

"We were never really sure if he would ever be good enough to make the grade," said Neil. "At first we tried him on the flat, but he had problems with the starting stalls.

"He then had a dozen or so races over hurdles, before we decided to try him over jumps. This was only his third chase, so I'm obviously delighted with the rapid progress he's made."

Neil's mother Jean is also an important member of the Horsburgh Castle team, and the family are hoping Budarri's racing career can now go from strength to strength. Neil bought Budarri's dam, Amtaar, eight years ago, and hopes the mare can produce more race winners in the years ahead.

"I've known Stuart and Sam for a long time, and the set-up at Coltherd Racing's yard at Clarilawmuir is ideal for bringing on young horses," added Neil. "I couldn't be happier with the way things have turned out with Budarri."