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.
Nicky Richards is looking for more success at one of his favourite venues with Danny McMenamin-ridden Sunnyvilla.
The Greystoke raider lines up at Ayr in the Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Chase, which is a qualifier for the Go North One Man Series.
“We’ve always loved bringing horses up to Ayr as it’s a lovely track and they know how to look after you as well,” the Cumbrian trainer said. “It’s a great place to start off some of our better young novice hurdlers and bumper horses.
“Sunnyvilla came from Ireland and was having his first run for us when winning a Class 4 at Haydock just before Christmas. We kept it simple as he liked to get on with things before we had him. He won pretty well but we’ll have to see if he can do it again under a big-weight in a Class 3.”
One of the main threats to Sunnyvilla is recent course and distance scorer Lively Citizen. Trained near Evesham by D J Jeffreys, he has been raised 3lbs for his triumph weeks ago.
Artic Row, trained by Nick Alexander, bids to land the Livescore Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Chase for the second year running while Donald Whillans-trained Showshine Boy also goes for a repeat victory in the Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Hurdle.