Ayr

Fine weather today and plenty of work for the horses in the schools, on the all-weather and schooling over hurdles and fences.  No luck at the p2p yesterday but a fine winner on the all-weather at Southwell for Lucy, we hope to have a busy week and tomorrow we have 3 runners at Ayr starting off with Sydney Cove in the 1.20 with Joe Colliver on board, 12 run and the ground will be soft, he was 3rd in a similar contest at the course last week and will hopefully go well again.  Tipsy Dara runs in the 4.30, a competitive 14 runner handicap chase, Lucy on board, she has been in good heart since her Newcastle win and I think she will be suited by the step up in trip, this is much more competitive though; finally Little Glenshee (Lucy) runs in the concluding bumper at 5.10 by which time I expect it will be dark, she has been working nicely but the opposition are difficult to assess.  Lucy also rides Ancient Times in the 1.20 and Charingworth in the 3.35. 

Tipsy Dara

I'm looking forward to the day but am struck by how long it might feel for the racing public, an eight race card with several 35 minute intervals and medicocre prize money is unlikely enhance the racegoer experience.  These 8 race jumps cards (where there have been no divisions) are a new phenomenon and I wonder what is driving them (well, I can guess!), some of the races aren't terribly competitive and I am sure that compressing the day, increasing the money on offer and tweaking some of the race conditions would result in a more vibrant spectacle; though, from a personal point of view, I am happy to have as many different races to run my horses in as possible....