Ayr – A Guide to UK Jump Racecourses

Ayr Racecourses

Ayr Racecourse is a left-handed galloping track but generally flat in nature. The course is oval in shape and around a mile and a half in circumference with a run in of about half a mile from the final bend to the winning post. It is Scotland’s premier track and they hold at least one race meeting every month if not more, as a dual purpose racecourse, it accommodates both Flat and Jump Racing at various times of the year.

The fences provide a fair test of ones jumping, especially the open ditches and the track being relatively easy being a flat track means front runners can often perform well round here which is born out by the overall stats.

Although the venue doesn’t hold any grade one races, there are still ten pattern national hunt races each season, four grade two events, two grade three races and four listed races in total.

The Scottish Grand National is arguably their most high profile race in this discipline, a race that is run over four miles for the last two seasons as previously it was raced over further by an extended half a furlong from 2007 to 2014 and pre 2007 was raced over four miles and a furlong. Other notable National Hunt races at the venue would include the Scottish Champion Hurdle which despite the title is actually a handicap raced over hurdles of the minimum distance of two miles and the “Future champion novice chase” which is raced over two miles and four furlongs. All three races take place during their April Meeting.

Further below are some trainer angles for your consideration at the venue.

Please note: Profit and Loss figures (P/L) is based on level stakes betting of one Euro per bet to SP.

Trainer: J Goldie

Course: Ayr

Race Type: Handicap Hurdle (Not Novice in status)

Bets: 147 Wins: 20 Strike Rate: 13.61% P/L+21.21

Additional note; Jim Goldie is a dual propose trainer, therefore trains runners in both disciplines, IE; flat and National Hunt. Despite the modest win strike rate, he has still proven to be profitable with his winners often returning at decent prices. He has a better win strike rate in lower class events, mainly in class four to five races in status.

Trainer: D Whillans

Course: Ayr

Race Type: Non-Handicap Hurdle (Not Novice in status)

Bets: 47  Wins: 7 Strike Rate: 31.25% P/L+54.00

 

Additional note; Not a high profile trainer by any stretch, but this means his runners often go under the radar when assessing the betting market. He’s another trainer with a modest win strike rate but still producing a healthy return to level stakes. He doesn’t have a lot of quality horses under his care and its not surprising that most of his runners perform well in lesser class races, I would suggest sticking to anything from class three and below.