Ayr Racecourse rang in the New Year with intent on Friday, January 2, as the Golf Inn Prestwick New Year’s Raceday unfolded into a testing, honest afternoon of jumps racing, crowned by a stamina-sapping feature in the Ayr Stayers Trophy Handicap Hurdle. With winter ground demanding resilience and precision, the seven-race card rewarded grit, patience, and trainers who had their strings tuned for the season’s opening statement.
The spotlight belonged late to Race 7, the Golf Inn Prestwick For The Ayr Stayers Trophy Handicap Hurdle, where staying power decided everything. Ikarak, under a confident Sean Bowen, delivered a composed and relentless performance for trainer Olly Murphy, staying on strongly to land the Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series qualifier. Owned by Middleham Park Racing & Mrs D J Brown and bred by Thierry Cypres, Ikarak crossed the line in 6m 16.87s, securing the £8,977 winner’s share ahead of Highland Fashion and Whistle Stop Tour.
Earlier, the card opened with promise as Kings Champion set the tone in Race 1, the Happy New Year From Ayr Racecourse Maiden Hurdle. Sean Bowen wasted no time stamping authority, steering the Olly Murphy-trained gelding to a decisive victory in 5m 8.14s. Owned by Neil Smith & Alfie Smith and bred by Philippe Thiriet & Jacques Cypres, Kings Champion finished ahead of Sleedagh, with Solid Performer third.
Momentum continued in Race 2, where Sanilam produced a sharp display in the Cheltenham Gold Cup Lunch @ Western House Hotel Maiden Hurdle. Brian Hughes partnered the Sandy Thomson runner with trademark control, stopping the clock at 3m 55.29s. The winner, owned by J Fyffe and Mrs W Duffus and bred by Denis Duggan, held off Wilstar and Like Minded.
The chasing contests added bite to the afternoon. Ballyfort took Race 3, the Karaoke At The Golf Inn Prestwick Novices’ Handicap Chase, with Bruce Lynn guiding the N W Alexander-trained runner home in 4m 27.01s for owners Matterson, Maclay and Warre. Southey and Rock On Jet chased valiantly behind.
In Race 4, So Many Roads lived up to his name, grinding out victory in the Sunday Lunch At Western House Hotel Handicap Hurdle. Theo Gillard delivered a measured ride for trainer Donald Whillans, stopping the clock at 5m 10.52s, ahead of Velvet Vulcan and Forest Blaze.
Stamina reached its limit in Race 5, where Cowboy Cooper dominated the Book Wicked Afternoon Tea Handicap Chase. Another winner for Donald Whillans, Craig Nichol nursed the gelding home in a testing 6m 34.02s for owner W M Aitchison, with Wal Buck’s and Dangerous Touch filling the places.
The penultimate Race 6 saw Milcree claim the Quiz Night At Golf Inn Prestwick Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. Sean Quinlan partnered the Nicky Richards-trained runner to victory in 5m 33.39s for Hemmings Racing, holding off Karafon and Jipcot.
Ayr Race Results 2 January did not shout. It worked. And by day’s end, it had laid down a clear marker for the winter campaign ahead. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.