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.
DARYL JACOB SET TO RIDE IRISH RAIDER IN AYR FEATURE
A bumper eight race card takes place at Ayr Racecourse today (Tuesday) with jumps racing returning for one day before a break until October.
The feature race is the Book Summer Saturday On 18 June Handicap Chase over three miles where the top weight is the Irish raider Hereditary Rule from the John McConnell yard. The booking of leading jockey Daryl Jacob for this horse is a big pointer and connections are obviously confident of a big run from the seven year-old.
A danger though is Iain Jardine’s Exit To Where who won this race last year and is weighted to be competitive with Craig Nichol taking the ride.
The opening race at 2.10pm is the Book Summer Racenight With Gok Wan Maiden Hurdle over two miles where the Nicky Richards trained mare Rose Of Siena receives weight all round from her male rivals in the nine strong field. She has raced only three times finishing third in a national hunt flat race at Kelso and then second in a similar contest at Musselburgh before coming in fifth at Newcastle. Today is her hurdling debut and she should go close.
The remarkable Ardera Cross has won six times at Ayr and attempts to make it seven in the two mile four and a half furlong handicap chase at 5.32pm. Derek Fox is in the saddle and the main danger looks to be the Lucinda Russell trained Coboy.