If I were to say that I enjoy a good day out with m’bitches, you might leave this page with the wrong impression.

What I mean to say is that I like nothing more than a stroll along a beach, or over a hill, or maybe through the woods, with my two Whippet crossbreds. And who wouldn’t – dogs are fine company, whatever we are doing and wherever we are going. Which is why, at Kelso, we understand that some racegoers like to bring their dogs with them when they come to the races.

Dogs are welcome at Kelso Racecourse and, just like children aged 17 and under, we actually admit them free of charge as long as they are kept on a lead at all times (the dogs not the children), are not unruly (neither the children nor the dogs), and that any mess that they make is cleared up afterwards (do you really need to ask?). If your dog is in need of refreshment, you’ll find fully charged water bowls outside the Hamilton Rooms – a tennis-ball’s throw from the main entrance.

It can be chilly at the races at this time of year, and we’ve noticed that an increasing number of Kelso’s canine guests come dressed in stylish coats. So, in order to celebrate our furry friends, we thought it’d be fun to arrange a contest for the best-dressed-dog attending bet365 Morebattle Hurdle Day on Saturday, 28 February.

To enter your dog, all you need to do is book your tickets and bring your dog to the Belhaven Village Marquee where the judges will gather before the first race. Kelso is one of those racecourses where we recommend that racegoers dress for the weather so, while fancy jackets, hats and neckerchiefs are all permitted, please don’t make your dog wear anything silly like stiletto heels. We don’t particularly recommend them for people either.

Entries for the races (horses not dogs) at Kelso’s most valuable race-meeting will be received on Monday. Following the publication of the weights for the 2026 Grand National, exciting news has reached Kelso that Iroko (6/1 favourite for the Aintree feature) is an intended runner in the bet365 Premier Steeplechase. And his opposition could include Protektorat, a graded race winner who happens to hail from the same yard as last year’s winner – the Dan Skelton trained Grey Dawning.

While a strong Irish challenge is expected for the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle, the home team could consist of Cracking Rhapsody (who is seeking a remarkable hat-trick in the race), Dedicated Hero, Wise Eagle, and a choice of up to three entries from the Arlary stable of Lucinda Russell (trainer of our selection in Saturday’s Eider Chase: Whistlestoptour).

With eight exciting races to look forward to on Saturday 28 February, including an ultra-competitive field for Scotland’s most valuable hurdle race, Kelso’s bet365 Best-Dressed Dog Day promises to be paw-some.