High expectations for flat finale at Ayr
Race is on to collect last of the level championships
The curtain will come down on the 2018 Flat season at Ayr Racecourse on Thursday October 11 with what promises to be an exciting finale to what has been an excellent year on the level at Ayr.
But with a meeting earlier this week Tuesday and the October Finale Raceday next Thursday ( which I will preview next week) there’s all to play for in the various championships at Ayr – owners, trainers and jockeys.
The battle to be top rider at the track for 2018 is an intriguing between a young apprentice and one of the most experienced jockeys in the business.
Jamie Gormley had his first ride back in 2013 but it wasn’t until 2017 he made a breakthrough riding 20 winners from 156 mounts.
He has carried on the good work this season with 37 winners and nine of these have come at Ayr.
His chief rival in the battle to be top jockey at the track is 48 year- old Joe Fanning who had his first ride here more than 28 years ago.
Joe is a brilliant rider and one of the best guys in the business who is riding as well as ever.
I will be happy whoever wins it but my money is on Joe as I think he will have more rides than Jmaie at the last two meetings of the season.
Jim Goldie narrowly leads Keith Dalgleish in the race to be top trainer and this too will go all the way and I wouldn’t like to call this one other than to say I know both will give it their all.
Top owner will be Weldspec Glasgow Limited who have a large string of horses with Keith Dalgleish including Handsome Bob who won at huge odds at the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup Festival.