Ayr Racecourse

 On Monday it was my first time racing since January. And if anything I was apprehensive after hearing all the negative feedback about the racing experience. But I was pleasantly surprised by the experience and by the level of racing. 

On arrival there was the standard procedure: the questionnaire answered, temperature checked and ID checked. Mask to be worn in communal areas and plenty of sanitiser. However, as far as I'm concerned Ayr racecourse has it right. Open spaces used effectively, the bar open enabling drinks to be flowing like a normal race day, the tote and two other bookmakers on course. And hot food available for racing staff and owners from a burger van which had delicious chips. These are all helping to bring the experience back to normal and for the better. The only thing that I could criticise is that racecourses the size of Ayr they could easily have all owners back and racing. Thus further taking steps to get racing back to normal. 

The 3.10 had a close race yet in the midsized field many weren't really involved. Bumbledom was first to lead, tracked by Destination Aim and Al Mansoura. Close up was Equidae and Sienna Dream. The rest of the field were never better than midfield. At two furlong out Equidae took on the lead as Al Mansoura was switched and pushed along. Sienna Dream and Jessie Allan were ridden out. There was to be no catching of the first to as Equidae and Al Mansoura went head to head. But Equidae won this battle by only a neck. The second was Al Mansoura by 1 length and third was Sienna Dream. 

The 4.50 had an unsurprising result with an unexpected ban. Taramanda led the race, followed by Shanghai City and Manzo Duro with Tiritomba sat midfield. These positions were like this until three furlongs out where Ricksen made good headway as did Manzo Duro. Two furlongs to go Tiritomba didn't have a clear run as Ricksen led, followed by Manzo Duro. At one furlong out Tiritomba was switched out and clipped heels with Ricksen. This hampered Ricksen. Although Tiritomba went on to win by 2 1/4 lengths, the second was Ricksen by 3 3/4 lengths and third was Manzo Duro by a nose. 

Oisin Murphy, who rode Tiritomba, due to this dangerous riding when he clipped heels means that a careless riding ban will be implemented on the Ledger week at Doncaster. He has a seven-day ban so that means that he will miss the entire meeting. Although, he has suggested that he might contest this and appeal. 

Hopefully, my next blog will be soon, keep up to date with my twitter!