REVIEW
EGLINGTON, LANARK & RENFREW
AYR
SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2003

by Chris Simpson

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.

Members

 

 

1st Tursal

R. Trotter

6/4

2nd Westie

R. Morgan

4/6 Fav.

3rd Poppers

N. Sanderson

20/1

Dist. 0.5 lengths & Dist.

4 Ran

 

 

Confined

 

 

1st Just Barney Boy

G. Thomas

Evens

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dist. Fin. Alone

2 Ran

 

 

Ladies Open

 

 

1st Pharmistice

N. Sterling

5/4

2nd Harden Glen

J. Riding

20/1

Only 2 finished

 

 

Dist. 5 lengths

3 Ran

 

 

Mens Open

 

 

1st Boyup Brook

T. Morrison

11/10

2nd Alsina

J. Innes

4/6 Fav.

 

 

 

Dist. 8 lengths

2 Ran

 

 

Restricted

 

 

1st The Timberman

R. Morgan

6/4

2nd Jupiter Jo

J. Walton

4/7 Fav.

 

 

 

Dist.0.5 length

2 Ran

 

 

Maiden 2mile 5 Furlong

 

 

1st Jamie Brown

J. Thompson

11/4

2nd Queen Of Araghty

G. Thomas

8/1

Only 2 finished

 

 

Dist. 6 lengths

5 Ran

 

 

Maiden 3 Miles

 

 

1st Dream Angel

C. Gillon

4/7 Fav.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dist. Fin. Alone

2 Ran