AYR RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Due to the high standard of its overall racing programme, Ayr is regarded as Scotland's premier racecourse. Known affectionately as The Craigie, the current racecourse has operated under several management companies since its first race meeting staged in 1907.
Although it is believed horse racing was taking place at Ayr as early as the sixteenth century, the first recorded meeting was in 1777, and was held at the old racecourse site. This was to the south of the town, and for scholars of horse racing history, the previous venue can still be visited, although it is now referred to as The Old Racecourse Playing Fields.
In 1804, this older venue was used to introduce the Ayr Gold Cup into the British racing calendar - incidentally, the first two runnings of the race were won by the famous racehorse Chancellor, a back to back winning feat which has never been repeated in the whole subsequent history of the Ayr Gold Cup.
In 1824, gentlemen race goers formed the Western Club, and instituted the annual Western Meeting. The success of the meeting was soon obvious, as in 1838, Ayr staged the richest two year old race in the United Kingdom.
Early in the twentieth century, to accommodate burgeoning crowds, it was decided the site of the racecourse would have to move from its old cramped home. As stated above, The Craigie staged its first race meeting in 1907, and it can now look back on over one hundred years of exciting and often top quality horse racing.
1950 saw the introduction of the steeplechase and hurdles courses. The success of the subsequent national hunt meetings meant when the Bogside racecourse at Irvine closed in 1966, Ayr became the natural relocation point for the Scottish Grand National.
Today, the course stages high quality Flat and Jump racing, and is busy throughout each calendar year.
A comprehensive winter campaign of national hunt racing is capped on an April Saturday with the staging of The Scottish Grand National and The Scottish Champion Hurdle.
Once the flat season comes around, top quality racing continues with The Saints and Sinners Meeting in July, and in September, the richest sprint handicap in Europe - The Ayr Gold Cup. Indeed, the latter race has become so popular, as of 2009, it has two consolation races - the Ayr Silver and Bronze Cups - both of which now back up the main event.
Track facts:
Ayr stages both flat and national hunt racing.
The main flat course is a left handed oval, measuring approximately 1 and a half miles in circumference. The course is generally level, but has a few minor undulations throughout its length. It is wide, and suits gallopers.
The finishing straight has an adjoining two furlong shoot to allow straight races of up to six furlongs. In large fields, on good going, the straight course has a statistical bias towards horses who are either drawn very high or very low.
The national hunt course is on the inside of the flat course, and is slightly shorter, and sharper. However, it is still wide and also suits gallopers.
The steeplechase course has nine fences, laid out in the following circuit pattern: two plain fences, an open ditch, four plain fences, another ditch, and then a plain fence. The last four fences are positioned in the long home straight prior to the winning post. The fourth last may be a plain fence, but it is tricky, as it is slightly downhill, and is only one hundred yards after the sharp turn into the home straight. After the last fence, there is a run in approaching a furlong in length.
The fences are generally fair, but the ditches are considered stiff, and In general, the track suits proven jumpers, who can front run, or lay close to the pace.
The hurdles course has six obstacles, with three in the back straight, and three in the home straight. Once again, the nature of the course suits gallopers who can also race prominently.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Club Ticket.
These ticket holders have access to the prime facilities of the Princess Royal Grandstand. This includes excellent views of the racecourse and winning post. Ticket holders can also visit the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas on the racecourse.
The Roman Warrior fine dining room is located on the second floor of the Stand. By booking in advance, diners can enjoy superb cuisine and spectacular views of the winning post and the paddock.
For Club ticket holders who want a less formal meal, the spacious Chancellor Carvery can be found on the first floor of the above stand. Also on the first floor, the Princess Royal Suite provides a quick bite and bar facility. In addition, there are a further 2 bars supplying fine wines and spirits.
Also in the Grandstand Enclosure, the champagne and sea food bar is ideally situated to overlook the paddock areas.
Grandstand Ticket.
From their seats in the grandstand, these ticket holders can see all the racing action, including proceedings in the parade ring and winners enclosure.
Food and drink are available in the new 4.5 million pound Grandstand Bar, plus there is also access to the Cree Lodge and Courtyard bar, plus the Courtyard Food Court. There are also many other outlets selling all kinds of hot and cold food and drink.
Disabled facilities:
The course management team have introduced facilities which provide disabled access to most parts of the racecourse.
Lift facilities in the main building enable access to all the hospitality floors including the restaurants. There is also access to a viewing area.
In addition to access ramps in strategic areas of the course, a special viewing platform is available for race goers who use a wheelchair.
Finally, specialist toilet facilities are to be found in all enclosures.
Fixtures:
2011:
Wednesday 25 May
Thursday 26 May
Friday 17 June
Saturday 18 June
Transport Links:
The town of Ayr and its racecourse are located on the west coast of Scotland, just before the seaward entrance of the Firth of Clyde. Ayrs combined role as a tourist town and racing venue has ensured the development of good transport links.
By Road:
From Glasgow, take the M77, followed by the A77 directly to Ayr.
Coming from the South, use the A74, then A70, pick up the A713, and join the A77, then continue towards Ayr on the main road. The racecourse is clearly signposted as you near the twon.
Car parking at the course is free of charge.
By Rail:
There are direct services from Glasgow Central station to Ayr, with the journey taking around 53 minutes. Ayr station is only about 1 mile from the course, and there is a connecting bus service.
Ayr station also has direct rail links with the station at Prestwick Airport.
By Bus:
Parties of race-goers may like to know, the racecourse now has its own Ayr racecourse Express Coach service. Organisers can telephone the racecourse on: 0845 094 46 20, and you will be quoted on transport too and from the racecourse from your home destination.
On Scottish Grand National Saturday, Saints and Sinners Evening, Scottish Sun Race Day, Ladies Night, or the Friday or Saturday of the Ayr Gold Cup Meeting, the racecourse offers an inclusive travel and entry package, which includes coach collection and return to designated 'pick up' points in; Glasgow, Hamilton, East Kilbride, Kilmarnock, Irvine, and Motherwell.
Alternatively, Stagecoach run a frequent coach service between Glasgow Buchanan Street and Ayr. To contact Stagecoach, ring 0141 552 4961.
Scottish Citylink Coaches also have daily services.
Contact Tel No: 08705 50 50 50.
By Air:
Glasgow City airport is only 45 minutes road travel from Ayr. While Glasgow Prestwick airport is only three miles from the racecourse, and since Ryanair have started operating at the latter venue, there are regular flights to; London, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Dublin, and many other destinations all over Europe.
Subject to prior permission from the racecourse executive, Helicopters can also land on the course.
By Ferry:
Nearby Troon offers a ferry service to Belfast, and there are also connecting services between Cairnryan andStranraer with ports in Ireland.
Contact Details:
Address: Ayr Racecourse, 2 Whitletts Road, Ayr, KA8 0JE.
Telephone Number: 01292 26 41 79.
Fax Number: 01292 61 01 40.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Express by Holiday Inn Ayr.
UK tel no: 01292 272 300.
From Eire tel no: 00 44 1292 272 300.
Located just a few minutes drive from Ayr Racecourse, the Express by Holiday Inn Ayr is a very well appointed 3 star hotel, and an ideal base for race-goers wishing to secure comfortable overnight accommodation in close proximity to Ayr Racecourse. The hotel offers a secure car park for up to 129 vehicles, is ideally located for visitors using Glasgow Prestwick Airport, (3.5 miles), and is a short drive from Ayr town centre and the Robert Burns Heritage Park. For race-goers with an interest in golf, the hotel is a short trip from the home of the 2009 Open Golf Championship at Turnberry, and some of the World's best links golf courses.
The hotel offers 84 stylish and well appointed guest rooms. All offer en suite facilities with power showers, remote controlled colour television with satellite, pay movies, Wi-Fi internet access, tea & coffee making facilities & hairdryer. The hotel also has 6 accessible rooms for guests with low mobility requirements. Laundry/ dry cleaning service is available on request. Photocopying/ fax services available and there is a vending machine for drinks and snacks.
The hotel's Great Room serves a continental style buffet style breakfast and evening meal. There is a relaxed and informal bar to enjoy a chat with old and new friends.
For full details on the Express by Holiday Inn Ayr, or to book directly, use the link below.