A total of 138 horses made the trip to Lindean via the River Tweed on Monday night as Braw Lads’ Week got fully under way.
And upon reaching Lindean Kirk, a short service was held by the Reverend Duncan McCosh in dry conditions.
After a wreath was placed on the Preachers Cross by Braw Lad Daniel Whitehead, the horses returned to Galashiels, via Hollybush for the annual Chase Races.
Predictably, Ryan Mania, Grand National winner and last year’s Braw Lad, won the Prinicipals’ Race.
Other results: Ex-Principals – Chris Mackenzie; Pony – Aidan McDonald; Ladies – Becky Johnston; Over 45s – Nick Mills; Gents – Mikey Turnbull.
Braw Lads’ celebrations started last Wednesday when supporters swapped four hoofs for two wheels for the second annual bike ride with the Melrose Festival.
The event, supported by Borders Railway contractors BAM Nuttall, DS Dalgleish, Diamond Cycles and William Pate, attracted 248 riders, an increase on last year’s total.
Two cups were also provided by past principal Ian Hume, in memory of his late wife Janet. The youngest rider was three-year-old Greg Anderson, while the oldest was Alex Shields.
The bike ride is looking for a new route for next year, with the Black Path set to be out of use because of ongoing work on the railway.
Last night saw the fancy dress parade and Torwoodlee rideout, while the Braw Lads’ Gathering is held on Saturday.
The Sports Day last Sunday was abandoned due to a torrential downpour, and is not expected to be rescheduled.
Braw Lads’ Council chair David Houston said: “The problem was the grass became very slippy after the heavy rain, so for safety we had no other option but to call it off.”