Gordon Brown – Race Reporter
Gordon has a wealth of experience of racing through his background in the written and broadcast media. His current principle role is reporting and supporting the scene in Scotland on Racing TV and relaying the latest news with Scottish angles.
Lucinda Russell-trained Walk On Quest, who was pulled up on his latest outing, bids to get back on track in the £50,000 feature event at Ayr.
Ridden by reigning champion conditional pilot Patrick Wadge, he is in the line up for a hugely competitive Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase over 2m 4f.
Having won four races on the bounce, he was sent off second favourite before being pulled up in the home straight at Uttoxeter with the only feasible explanation being that the run possibly came too soon after his previous victory at Kelso 14 days earlier.
Several of the top yards in the country are represented including those of Nicky Henderson (Persian Time), Dan Skelton (Riskintheground) and Paul Nicholls (Gelino Bello).
The race also sees Sean Bowen, destined to be crowned champion jockey for the first time, partner Sure Touch for Olly Murphy.
And Nick Alexander will fancy his chances of nicking some prize money with Ned Tanner, who has won twice already this term including over course and distance.
Nicholls, a fourteen-time jumps trainer, could strike in the opening Slater menswear Handicap Hurdle with Liari, ridden by his stable jockey Harry Cobden.
The Somerset raider, who has had a light campaign so far, finished third in a valuable race at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.