REVIEW |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bright
sunshine welcomed race goers to Ayr Racecourse for the Eglington, Lanark
and Renfrew Point to Point races. Unfortunately
the uninterrupted sunshine resulted in firm going and a scarcity of
runners. The seven races attracted a total of only 20 horses. The
first race produced an exciting finish between Tursal and Westie who took
turns at leading on the final circuit. After jumping the last Tursal ran
on well for Rupert Trotter to win by ½ length thus gaining revenge for
being beaten by Westie in this race last year. Just
Barney Boy was a fortunate winner of the next race as his solitary rival,
Harleyburn, went lame approaching 4 out. He had just quickened clear and
apparently had the race at his mercy The
Ladies open was won by Pharmistice who scored a comfortable victory over
Harden Glen.
Their task was made easier as market rival Balisteros was pulled up
with just under a circuit to go following an uncharacteristic jumping
error at the 10th fence. Only
2 runners contested the Men’s open which was won by Boyup Brook who
stayed on strongly from 2 out beat Alsina after the pair had raced
together for most of the race. Again
2 runners contested the next race which developed into a sprint from 2
out.
The Timberman, ridden by Ran Morgan held on by ½ length from
Jupiter Jo in a driving finish. 5
runners went to post for the 2 mile 5 furlong maiden but were soon reduced
to 2. First
Capybara unshipped his rider at the start then Astro Moods and the
favorite Jojo refused at the second fence. Of the two that remained Jamie
Brown ridden by James Thompson scored a comfortable 6 lengths victory over
Queen of Araghty who was completing the course for the first time in
points, There may be better to come from the mare if she can improve her
jumping. Confusion
reigned before the last race with the starter going to the 2-mile5 start
(as indicated on the race card) and the 2 runners going to the 3 mile
start (the
actual distance). As it happened it didn’t make a lot of difference as
Kariba Dream refused at the third fence. This allowed Dream Angel to have
little more than an exercise canter in finishing alone. This easy success
could be important for jockey Chris Gillon as he is challenging for the
national novice riders’ championship. Next
weeks meeting is the Fife at Balcormo Mains near Leven on Saturday 26th
April, first race 2.00.p.m.
|