The cold east wind is back with intermitent showers of rain and sleet.  A tough day at Ayr yesterday with Donny Boy suffering a pelvic injury when in the process of running and jumping like he was back to his best.  The veterinary team at Ayr were first class and he is back home; whilst the prognosis is guarded at this stage he will hopefully make a full recovery and be able to enjoy a long and happy retirement.  So disappointing for his owners Angus & Lynne who had been so patient with him and also for the wide range of people who have done so much to bring him back to his best – our vet, farrier, physio, chiropractor all played their part along with his regular work riders, jockey, and Rachel who looked after him so well and loved riding him on his easy days.

Donny Boy – one of the good days!

Hey ho, on we go and it is off to Musselburgh this weekend for their two day “Cheltenham Trials Fixture”; not really Cheltenham trials but a few contenders and lots of really good competitive racing, and always an excellent atmosphere as the Scottish trainers attempt to see off raiders from the South and Ireland.   The ground should be good to soft and more rain would be welcome for our four runners across the two day starting with one tomorrow – Platin Moon in the 15.37.  He won well last time on deep ground at Ayr and whilst I think he will be better right handed this test might just be on the sharp side for him – good chance though, Bruce rides and 9 run.

Platin Moon

On to Sunday and our first runner is The G Wizard who makes his handicap debut in the 14.30; this is early enough in his career to be pitched into such a busy and competitive handicap but he ran very well to be a close 2nd over C & D last time and that form has worked out so it is worth a go – Bruce rides and 13 run.

The G Wizard

Bel Amigo steps up in trip for the Pertemps Qualifier at 15.40 and he is also 5lb out of the handicap which isn’t ideal however we are interested to see whether he stays the trip which would open up more options for him.  Unfortunately this is also a much busier renewal than usual with 14 runners, Bruce rides.

Bel Amigo

Finally Whiskey on Ice runs in the 16.15 when it will probably be dark.  He has to hump top weight on what is his handicap debut but he should be much more at home here on this ground than he was on heavy at Hexham back in November – he seems very fresh and well and it will be interesting to find out whether he has been given a fair mark – 8 run and Bruce rides.

Whiskey On Ice

Elsewhere on the card at Ayr yesterday we were thrilled with Eloi du Puy coming right back to form to finish 2nd, Cavalier du Luy struggled on the sticky ground in the closing stages and Ballyfort didn’t really handle the ground at all.  Coconut Splash, Theme Tune and Gaillimh a Stor all ran as though the years were catching up with them and were disappointing.

Donny Boy and Fortescue Wood relaxing after their work a couple of years ago – two talented but ultimately fragile sons of Westerner