Ayr Racecourse hosted a competitive six-race National Hunt meeting on Friday, 6 March, featuring a balanced programme of hurdle and steeplechase contests. The afternoon card ran from 2:20 pm to 4:53 pm and produced several decisive performances across varying distances, from the opening handicap chase to the stamina-testing three-mile finale.
The meeting began with Race 1 – The Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Guide Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4) over 2m 4f 209y. Walking On A Dream (IRE) delivered a determined performance under Jack Power. Travelling comfortably throughout the contest, the gelding finished strongly in the closing stages to claim the opening race and set the tone for the afternoon.
Race 2 – The Weatherbysshop.co.uk EBF Mares’ National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4) over 2m 4f 199y saw Society Soldier (IRE) impress under Derek Fox. The mare jumped fluently and maintained a steady rhythm before asserting approaching the final hurdle to record a comfortable victory.
The Weatherbys NH Stallions Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) formed Race 3, run over 2m 66y. Lance Les Des (FR) produced a polished display with Sean Quinlan in the saddle. Travelling prominently throughout, the French-bred runner showed a decisive turn of foot after the final hurdle to land the maiden success.
In Race 4 – The Weatherbys Racing Bank Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) over 2m 66y, Platin Moon (FR) secured victory under Bruce Lynn. After travelling strongly for much of the race, the gelding quickened effectively on the run-in to pull clear of the field.
The penultimate contest, Race 5 – The Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) over 2m 4f 199y, went to Red Cadillac (IRE) with Callum Bewley aboard. Positioned close to the leaders throughout, the runner produced a sustained challenge after the final flight to take command late and secure the win.
The meeting concluded with Race 6 – The Scottish Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 3m 152y, where stamina proved decisive. Nights In Venice stayed on powerfully under Sean Quinlan, who completed a double on the card with a well-judged ride in the closing stages.
From the opening success of Walking On A Dream to the staying performance of Nights In Venice in the finale, the meeting at Ayr Racecourse delivered competitive National Hunt racing and offered useful form lines as the spring jumping season approached.
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