Ayr racing fans set for a New Year treat

Dec 30 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

RACING fans are in for a treat with the Victor Chandler New Year Festival at Ayr Racecourse on Monday and Tuesday, January 2 and 3.

Featuring seven races on both days, this should provide the perfect formula for banishing the festive blues with lots of runners expected.

And with Ayr hosting the only meeting in the north each day, it is hoped large crowds will descend on the track giving Scotland's premier track a major boost heading into 2012.

The action on Monday starts with the European Breeders' Fund National Hunt Novices Hurdle over two miles four furlongs at 12.20pm featuring some up and coming young hurdle prospects.

The opening day's feature race is The Bet Mobile At Victorchandler.com Handicap Chase over two miles four furlongs due off at 1.55pm with a prize fund of £8700. This will be contested by some hardened handicappers vying for a good prize.

This is followed half an hour later with the Bet Live At Victorchandler.com Handicap Hurdle also over two miles four furlongs.

The final race of the afternoon is the three mile Best Odds Guaranteed At Victor Chandler Novices Handicap Hurdle at 3.35pm.

Tuesday's action is due off at 12.35pm with the Victorchandler.com Juvenile Hurdle over two miles. The main event on the day is the Bet Mobile At Victorchandler.com Handicap Chase over three miles one furlong. Gates open at 11am.

Ayr sales and marketing manager Lindsey Smith said:”We are all looking forward to starting the New Year with a successful two days and unlike recent years there appears to be no weather issues.

"The Victor Chandler New Year Festival will offer people the perfect opportunity to enjoy a couple of days out after the festivities of Christmas and New Year.

“We think we have the perfect solution to those hangovers – come racing!”