Published: Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 2:42pm

Veteran's day at this year's Beltane Games

SCIENTIST Ian Smith finally found the formula to end a 15-year wait for his second win on the Border Games circuit.

The 41-year-old from Longniddry last broke the tape of a major sprint back in 1994 at Oxton Games.

But on Sunday, running from 12 metres, he held on strongly to cross the Beltane Sprint line a few inches in front of Hawick"s Iskan Barskanmay (7.5) and Scott Atkin (7.5) from Grantshouse.

Smith, who is coached by the prolific Charlie Afleck, said: 'It"s been a long time since I last won, but the wait has been worthwhile.

'I"ve always been able to finish well, but I"ve been working on my starting and it has paid off.'

The Caledonian Colour Printers one-lap race was also won by a veteran with 57-year-old Keith Redpath holding on to impress his wife.

The Wishaw-based athlete, running from 53 metres, broke the tape one metre in front of Selkirk 51-year-old James Purves (50) and up-and-coming star Scott Hughson (12) from Edinburgh.

Keith admitted Mrs Redpath played a part in his win. He said: 'I always run that little bit better when Tricia is watching. It"s the first time she"s been to see me this season and I"m pleased I"ve won it for her.'

Scottish Masters 1500 metres champion John Thomson prepared for the forthcoming UK championships with a convincing win in the James Renwick 3200 metres.

The 51-year-old from Coaltown, running from 135 metres, picked his way through a large field to kick for hom just over a lap out.

John said: 'It was a really tough race and I was pleased when one or two started to drop out.

'I"m aiming for the British Masters then it will be onto the world championships later in the year.'

Hawick"s Derek Scott (320) held on gamely to collect second place while Daryl Hastie (scr) finished strongly for third. Kelso"s Colin Welsh made ammends for not reaching the final of the Scottish Championships in Pitreavie the previous day by blasting through the 800-metres field.

The 26-year-old, running from -2.5 metres, was around 20-metres behind leader Dean Whiteford (55) at the bell but just managed to reel him back in the final strides.

Colin, who is coached by Addie Gray, told us: 'I was really sore before the race after yesterday"s heats and semi-final but I just went for it.'

Long-time leader Ros Corbett (105) from Hawick finished third. Kelso also claimed the 1600 metres Kingsmeadows Trophy with Chris Black returning to form.

The 21-year-old, running from 85 metres, kicked on the final bend to beat Alec Corbett (175) from Hawick and Kelso"s Daryl Hastie (-7.5).

Chris, who is trained by his dad, Colin, and Keith Lyall, said: 'I thought I had a chance going into this and all the hard training paid off.'

Jedburgh"s Greg Turnbull showed why he is one of the most exciting prospects on the track at the moment by winning the scratch 110-metres championship race in 12.02 seconds.

The 21-year-old broke the tape ahead of Tullibody"s Cameron Smith with Scott Hughson from Edinburgh in third.

Local hopes were riding on the shoulders of 13-year-old Jordan Charters in the youths sprint. But the Dolphinton runner yet again found just one too good.

Nicholas Coupland (12) just broke the 90-metres tape an inch in front of Charters (12.5) with Corey Wilson (15) from Hawick in third.

Coupland, who is coached by Gordon Bury in East Kilbride, said: 'It"s my first time running in the Borders and I hope to be back again soon.'

Jedburgh"s Brodie Irvine followed in the footsteps of his grandfather John Steede by entering the winner"s enclosure.

The 13-year-old, who is coached by his granddad, just held on from the fast finishing Euan Pettigrew (37) in the final of the Drew Fraser youths one lap race.

Jack Wilson (53) from Hawick was a metre further back in third. Selkirk"s Rowan Marr (190) finally broke his seasonal duck in the youths 1600 metres after finishing in the places at every other local meeting this season.

The 13-year-old made steady headway through the field but still had to fend off a late challenge from Kobe Stevens (280) of Peebles and Durham"s Joe

Armstrong (320) with Sophie Collins (320) finishing fourth.

Rowan said: 'I knew they were coming back at me again but I just kept going.'