YOUNG riding star Ross Wilson emerged victorious in the Beltane Bell for the fourth time in five years at Peebles Golf Course.

Ross, who is hoping to join the professional riding ranks, has left his home in Peebles to work for Cumbria-based trainer Nicky Richards.

His victory in an event first staged in 1903 came in the last of the six races to be staged at the end of a fabulous day of celebrations on Beltane Wednesday.

David Aitken, the 2002 Cornet, registered his third victory in the Ex-Cornets’ race. George Blair, the announcer at the Beltane Races, said: “We started late this year as the rideout was 25 minutes behind schedule - and it was a cold night.

“Everything went smoothly and nobody was injured, though I think one rider did fall off at the start of the Beltane Bell.” Earlier, despite the chilly weather, the crowds had packed into Hay Lodge park to watch the Riding of the Marches cavalcade ford the Tweed.

The spectators cheered the riders and horse as they splashed through the river and all of them appeared to complete the crossing without mishap.

Results from the Beltane Races were as follows - The Ex-Cornet D B Wright Memorial Trophy: 1st, Ex-Cornet David Aitken; The Stewart Smith Trophy: 1st, Aiden McDonald (Hawick); The George H Irvine Memorial Trophy: 1st, Beth Steele (Innerleithen); The Ian Buick Trophy: 1st, Jackie Turner (Innerleithen); The Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants’ Club Trophy: Lauren Paterson (Peebles); Beltane Bell Scamper for the Beltane Bell and the March Riding Centenary Trophy: Ross Wilson (Peebles).