River Icon in full flow

Winningjockeybillygarritty got his hands on a famous sporting trophy at Perth yesterday after guiding River Icon to success in the Solheim Cup 2019 At Gleneagles Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

Trained in Carrutherstown by Iain Jardine, River Icon held off Murphy’s Law – also trained in Scotland – in a thrilling finale before Garritty and Jardine enjoyed the winner’s presentation complete with golf’s Solheim Cup, at the racecourse for one day only.

It marked the collaboration between Perth Racecourse and the 2019 Solheim Cup, with many racegoers taking the chance to get a selfie with the trophy ahead of Europe taking on the USA at nearby Gleneagles next month.

Hazel Peplinski, Perth Racecourse chief executive, said: “What a fantastic race and racegoers have been intrigued to see the stunning Solheim Cup on display here today.

“It really whets the appetite for more world-class golf returning to Gleneagles this September.”

Paul Bush, director of events at Visitscotland, added: “It is exciting to showcase the 2019 Solheim Cup to another enthusiastic crowd at Perth Racecourse.”

Lucky Robin was an all-theway winner of the £16,000 Heineken UK Handicap Hurdle for Brian Hughes. Trained by Brian Ellison and sent off at 5-1, the Malton raider kept on game from the final flight to trounce the favourite Chef De Troupe by two-and-a-half lengths.

Hughes said: “His three previous wins all came at Market Rasen but he’s handled conditions here well. There was a little concern about the ground but he’s found plenty and dug deep.”

Gordon Elliott and Richard Johnson teamed up for a short-priced double with Braid Blue and Creadan Grae. The success of Creadan Grae saw four-time champion Johnson reach his half century for 2019-20.

Next up at Perth is the annual Summer Carnival on Saturday, 17 August.