AYR review By Gordon Brown

Iain Jardine has his horses in great order and he struck on Ayr’s opening Flat card of the year with Catherine Chroi in the Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Places Apprentice Handicap.

Having sent out 24 winners in the recently-concluded jumps season, his success on the west coast of Scotland saw him reach 19 for the level already for 2024.

“We’d 58 winners last year which was our best since 2017 so it would be nice to keep going higher,” said Carrurthestown-based Jardine.

“Hopefully there will also be be a few jumpers to keep us busy during the summer.”

From just three runners from his Hawick yard, Ewan Whillans recorded a 41/1 double with Pinpoint and Ebony Maw ridden by David Nolan and Rowan Scott respectively.

His other representative, Billy Bathgate, finished third behind Ebony Maw in the concluding Virgin Bet Fives Handicap over 1m 5f.

County Antrim trainer Paul Traynor enjoyed his first course victory when Ayrshire-born David Allan was successful aboard 4/1 favourite Fiver Friday in the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap.