Festive Friday boost for Ayr

Ayr has been handed an extra festive jumps fixture this Friday.

Following the abandonment of several fixtures due to the recent cold snap, the British Horseracing Authority has moved to give northern-based trainers more opportunities to run their horses.

Entries for the Ayr meeting closed at noon yesterday with declarations at the 24-hour stage as normal tomorrow.

Nick Dartnall, race-planning executive for the BHA, said: “We have lost a substantial number of jump fixtures in the north in recent weeks and following requests from northern trainers and discussions with northern racecourses, felt that we should support the region if at all possible by providing an additional opportunity. It is quite unusual for us to stage an additional fixture on a day where we already expect to fulfil the betting criteria but in the circumstances we felt it was the right decision.”

At Kempton today, Made Of Honour is an interesting contender in the 100% Profit Boost At 32Redsport.com Fillies’ Handicap after scoring in France last time. Karl Burke’s runner was last seen in Britain racing off a mark of 77 and despite subsequently winning a minor heat on the all-weather at Chantilly, the handicapper has seen fit to drop her 3lb.

Our Man In Havana, with a new lease of life under Richard Price, is the pick in the 32Red. com Nursery Handicap at Lingfield.