Gold Cup probe blames rainfall
Course bosses cleared
A set of “exceptional circumstances” caused the Ayr Gold Cup to be scrapped, horse racing chiefs have ruled.
Bosses at the BHA ( British Horseracing Authority) blamed rainfall “substantially above historical averages” for the collapse of the three- day meeting in September.
Their decision follows a probe into the track losing its marquee flat fixture due to sodden ground.
An investigation carried out by the BHA course inspectorate cleared Ayr chiefs of any blame.
Brant Dunshea, director of integrity and regulatory operations at the BHA, c o n f i rmed weat h e r conditions had proved impossible to overcome.
He said: “This was coupled with an area of impervious indigenous clay- based soil and clay subsoil underneath the affected patch of ground, which had limited existing drainage.
“The required remedial work on the affected area, which has been started proactively by Ayr, is already under way and will progress with the close cooperation and guidance of the BHA’s course inspectorate.
“Despite a combination of unusual circumstances leading to the abandonments, some issues were identified in relation to the timeliness of data and information being logged as events unfolded.
“The BHA has made a number of recommendations to improve communications going forward, ensuring all those impacted by any future abandonments or the potential for abandonments are informed in as timely a manner as possible.”
The report comes as Ayr was voted a jewel in the crown of British racing for the third year running.
One of the sport’s leading authorities, the Racehorse Owners’ Association, named Scotland’s premier track in the top six large racecourses in the country for owners.
It was also awarded R a c e h o r s e Own e r s Association Gold Standard status for 2017. Ayr joined Ascot, Chester, Haydock Park, Cheltenham and York in gaining the top accolade.
Ayr managing director David Brown said: “This reflects all the hard work and dedication and attention to detail we pride ourselves on reflecting the importance in which we hold racehorse owners.
“Our aim is to deliver the best experience possible for owners and to receive recognition like this is very rewarding.”