And following a shock result in last week’s Hawick Tradesman’s handicap, the Irish contingent will return to Borders turf with only one thing in mind. Winning the prestigious Golden Mile.

The Rig committee’s Jake Douglas told The Wee Paper: “Four Irish runners have entered for the Rig on Friday, with the usual challenges coming from Hawick, so an entertaining day should be on the cards.”

Racing has taken place at Gala Rig since the 17th century, making it one of the oldest – if not the oldest – Scottish racetrack still in use.

The present course was laid out in 1824 and despite a lull in recent years is still enjoyed by many on Common Riding Friday.Douglas added: “Craig Stanners and his team have the track in great condition and the bottom corner has a new running rail in place.

“All we need now is some good weather and some good support for this great event.”

The feature race on Friday will be supported by the Standard Bearer’s Cup, the ladies’ race and the highly popular pony events.With a winner’s prize of £3,000 at stake, 14 runners went to post at Hawick Moor last Friday with Welsh, Irish and local horses all going for glory.

Common Riding revellers and race-goers alike lined the track and the delay in getting the race started only added to the excitement.

Irish raider Little Nip had been hotly-tipped during the morning’s festivities, but it was Welsh-trained Taff Trail (a 14/1 chance) who took the Cashmere Cup chased home by Hannabel and Red Raider. The winner was ridden by Tyrone Williams, who has just returned from a spell of riding in Bahrain.

Racing on Friday goes under starter’s orders at 2pm with buses running from the Market Place.