Three Great Days at Ayr

We’re just back from three fantastic days at the Ayr Festival, and what a few days it was. We had 2 winners, a few near misses and plenty to smile about. Here’s how it all went.
Thursday
We had three runners on the opening day, and it started well. Selection was narrowly denied a place, finishing fourth in her race. She made good headway late on but just failed to get up for third. She ran a cracker at a big price, so no complaints there.
Next up was Sailthisshipalone, who won his race. He battled on gamely in the soft conditions and got up close to the line to lead, under a fantastic ride from Jason Hart and a very good training performance from Ivan Furtado.
Jason was back in the saddle for the final race of the day, where Northwest Passage finished third. A great day all round.
Friday
Another three runners on Friday, and this time we got to enjoy a winner at a big price. Turnstile, trained by Tim Easterby and ridden by Duran Fentiman, landed the spoils at 40/1. He kept on well in the closing stages and got up to lead in the last 100 yards. What a performance by horse and jockey.
Filly Eilish, trained by Ivan Furtado and ridden by Jason Hart, was narrowly denied a place in her race. It was a really good run and one to take plenty of encouragement from.
Unfortunately, Texting was withdrawn at the start after playing up in the stalls, so we didn’t get to see her run in the opener, she was fine post race.
Saturday
We had just the one runner on Saturday, in the novice. Black Gin ran really well and travelled nicely throughout. She was second at one stage but faded a little in the last furlong or two to finish fourth. There’s plenty to like there.
The verdict
2 winners and plenty of great runs is a fantastic return. Thanks to everyone who came along and cheered them on, and a big thank you to all the trainers and jockeys. Onwards!
