NORMAL service resumes at Ayr today as racing returns to the round course at the Craigie track for the first time since the horror seven-horse pile-up in July.
The course has been restricted to five and six furlong sprints since the incident to allow tests and re-alignment to be carried out on the bend running into the home straight.
A further boost to the management of the under-fire venue is the news tha
t maximum fields will line up for three of the five races to be staged on the re-aligned course.
Northern jockeys' safety officer Dale Gibson is is pleased with the work carried out, and commented: "I have got good feedback off the lads from the trial a couple of weeks back.
"The fact that they have a lot of rain up there will help matters. I know the racecourse inspector Chris Dennis is very pleased and Hazel Peplinski is very hard-working and conscientious and we have confidence in her."
The action kicks off this afternoon at 2.10, with the Class 4 Carling lager EBF Maiden Stakes.
The main event in the seven-race card is the 4.10 Tennent's Lager Handicap and plenty of the course favourites will be lining up including Chookie Hamilton, Shy Glance, Best Prospect and Hawkit.
The action continues tomorrow with the first race again off at 2.10.
Some of the country's top trainers have entries, including Mark Johnson, Mick Channon and Richard Fahey.
For more ticket information, log on to www.ayr-racecourse.com
SEA THE STARS STRIKES AGAIN
THE John Oxx-trained Sea The Stars cemented his position as one of the best horses in living memory by winning the Juddmonte International at York on Tuesday in great style under Mick Kinane.
It was essentially a match race between the impeccably-bred son of Cape Cross and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Mastercraftsman, but despite briefly coming under pressure over 1f out, Oxx's charge was well on top at the finishing post.
The next port of call for the best horse in the world looks set to be the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday, September 5, at Leopardstown.
The Irish Superstar came out of the International very fresh and Oxx remarked: "Sea The Stars is fresh and well. He's certainly fresher than he was after the Eclipse at Sandown. He's eaten up well since the York race and has had a canter."
He is currently trading at 4/7 favourite to keep up his run of victories this season in the Irish Champion Stakes, with Fame and Glory his nearest rival at 6/4.
Another popular winner at the Ebor Meeting was Borderlescott – pictured above – who made it back to back wins in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.
The Robin Bastiman trained 7yr old went off at 9/1 and had no problems securing his second Group One career victory.
Bastiman said after the win: "We only train down the road and this is just the job.
"I keep telling everyone that this is his time of year, and he has proved it again. What he wants is a fast-run race, so he can sit behind the leaders and bide his time and it worked out perfectly.
"I think everyone had written him off, even the press lads. I was starting to wonder why he was running, but he has proved me right today.
"I only have 20 horses, and to win two Group 1 races is just superb. I would love a few more in the future."
FALLON RETURN IS GIVEN CUMANI BOOST
KIEREN Fallon's return to the saddle on September 4 was given a further boost by the news that Luca Cumani plans to use the former Champion Jockey whenever possible and has a potential mount lined up for Fallon's comeback.
Cumani told the Racing Post: "I have a horse in mind, but obviously at this stage, it will not be a definite runner until I've seen the entries, so I'll not tell you the name just yet".
RAIN STOPS PLAY
IN IRELAND
RACING in Ireland almost ground to a halt due heavy rain causing water-logging at two venues last week
Horse Racing Ireland has announced that the Killarney fixture which was cancelled on Thursday, August 20, as a result of waterlogging will now be held on Wednesday, August 26.
The first race will be at 2.55 pm.
Meanwhile Ballinrobe was forced to abandon its Sunday fixture after an inspection at the track on Friday morning.
Officials found that the track was waterlogged and they had no option but to call off the meeting.