RAF fly in for Family Day fun at Ayr Racecourse

By: Iain Ferguson

FUN for everyone… that’s totesport Family Day at Ayr Racecourse on Sunday 6 July when not only will there be some very special visitors from the RAF but also a personal appearance from children’s entertainer Magic Malky.

There’s a bouncy castle, bucking bronco, inflatable sumo wrestling, beat the goalie, pony rides, face painting and fun fair rides. And the great news is that all children under 16 accompanied by an adult gain free admission to the course.


The RAF will be out in force during the day as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations. There will be a static display of helicopters featuring a Griffin, Gazelle and Squirrel (pictured above), a display from HMS Gannet’s search and rescue team and a field hospital unit plus many more interesting displays.

Away from the military action Magic Malky will provide his own special brand of entertainment in the Ayrshire Suite from 12.30pm when he will be performing his award winning Magic Show, at 1.30pm he will be back on stage with his Punch & Judy Show and at 2.30pm Malky will host a Game Show, with another Magic Show at 3.30pm and a Talent Show at 4.00pm.

And in addition to all the off-course fun there’s the small matter of seven competitive races with the feature race, The Campbeltown Bar Stewart Scott Memorial Handicap over a mile at 4.50pm.

Racing gets under way at 2.20pm with the Bet totepool On All UK Racing Handicap over six furlongs while the final action of the day is The WaterAid Ladies Night 9 August Amateur Riders Handicap over five furlongs at 5.20pm.

Ayr Racecourse marketing manager Lindsey Smith said: “This should be our best ever Family Day, and we are indebted to the RAF for coming along and bringing so much with them. The static display of helicopters looks like being the busiest place on the racecourse.

“And the children all love Magic Malky and he will be performing five shows throughout the afternoon.”

Special Family Grandstand tickets are on sale for £19.50 and entitle two adults and four children to entry and these can be booked in advance on www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or 0870-8505666.

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Thousands vote June meeting at Ayr Racecourse a success

By: Iain Ferguson

SAINTS, sinners, glamorous ladies, quality racing, fabulous entertainment and a mystery prize revealed… just some of the ingredients that wowed more than 14,500 racegoers at Ayr Racecourse last weekend.

The double header Saints and Sinners Race Night followed by the Scottish Sun Race Day established itself as Ayr’s third major meeting behind the Coral Scottish Grand National and John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup.


[Pictured: Silver coin winners with Jim Smith, managing director of Kerr & Smith who along with Iveco Trucks are sponsors of Ladies Day at Ayr Racecourse in August.]

And nine lucky ladies won a silver coin and a passport to Ladies Day Final on September 19. And what a terrific prize awaits the winner of the final after Miss UK Nieve Jennings unveiled a silver Alfa Romeo Spider 2.2 JTS as the mystery car provided by Kerr & Smith / Iveco Trucks, suppliers of commercial vehicles in South West Scotland.


[Pictured: Miss UK Nieve Jennings and Scottish Sun promotional girls sit in the Alfa Romeo Spider - the first prize for Ayr Ladies Day in August.]

Saints and Sinners attracted a crowd just short of 8,000 who were greeted by stilt walkers as they arrived and then treated to samba music from The Beats of Brazil and jazz sounds from Criterion.

Celebrities including comedians Fred Macaulay and Johnny Beattie, SFA supremo Gordon Smith, Radio Clyde DJ Suzie Maguire, ex-Celtic star Murdo McLeod and current Scotland footballers Stephen McManus and Stephen Pearson mingled with the crowd and happily signed autographs.

Thousands stayed on after racing and Bjorn Again played the greatest hits of Abba in the Ayrshire Suite to a near capacity audience while Monster Mash performed their own brand of Rocky Horror style madness in the Horseshoe Bar.

Philip Martin, Saints and Sinners racing convener, felt the charity had been fully vindicated in their decision to move the race meeting from Hamilton to Ayr after 42 years.

He said: “We are delighted with Friday night. We hope this is year one of a long and fruitful partnership with Ayr. We have worked very closely with the course’s management to make this happen.”

On Saturday more than 6,600 people enjoyed the quality racing including a Listed Race, the News of The World EBF Land O’ Burns Fillies Stakes.

Midway through the afternoon there was great excitement when Nieve Jennings took the wraps off the star prize for Ladies Day and the Alfa Romeo Spider was revealed.

Jim Smith managing director of Kerr & Smith was delighted that the launch went so well and that their top of the range Iveco Strallis tractor unit was the perfect backdrop to launch the Spider.

He added: “I’m pleased none of the beautiful ladies had a phobia about insects.”

Iveco‘s corporate director Nigel Emms recently visited Ayr Racecourse giving his approval for the joint Kerr & Smith/Iveco sponsorship, and was so impressed with the facilities that Iveco have committed to launch their brand new Iveco Eurocargo at an event within the Racecourse later this year.

Nigel commented: “Iveco’s Daily Vans, Euorocargo Trucks and Strallis Tractor Units are of the highest quality, and we would look to be associated with similar partners in the launch of any products. Ayr Racecourse certainly demonstrates these qualities.”

Silver coins were presented to Gwen Wilson, Roslyn Simpson and Angela Langan all from Ayr; Heather Weir, Barassie; Isabelle Rodger, Monkton; Leanne Lynch, Maybole; Janet Frew, Annbank; Julia Crawford, Minishant and Victoria Lillies, West Kilbride.

More coins will be awarded at Ladies Night on August 9 and on September 18 and 19.


Reflecting on a successful weekend, Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol (pictured above) said: “The crowds were superb on both days and we are delighted that almost 8,000 attended our first ever Saints and Sinners. Scottish Sun Raceday was again a success and we had a terrific response when our Ladies Day prize was revealed.

“We have built up a reputation for having fabulous prizes and the Alfa Romeo Spider is just a sensational car.”

Ayr’s next race meeting is the totesport Family Day on Sunday 6 July. To book tickets call 0870-8505666 or go online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

Discounts are available on bookings up to seven days in advance.

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There are currently 275 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

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Elite Ayrshire Business Circle / Clydesdale Bank
Golf Day raises £10,500 for Ayrshire Hospice

THE first annual Elite Ayrshire Business Circle / Clydesdale Bank Charity Golf Day was held at Belleisle Golf Course on Tuesday 17 June followed by a Dinner and Race Night in the Princess Royal Exhibition, Banqueting & Conference Centre at Ayr Racecourse.

More than 100 golfers from the Ayrshire business world took part in a 3-ball golf tournament during the day, and 144 people attended the Dinner and Race Night in the evening.


[Pictured: Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Manager Louis Jardine (left) receives a cheque for £10,500 from event organiser David Jellema on behalf of the Clydesdale Bank and the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The twin events were held to benefit the Ayrshire Hospice, and a cheque for £10,500 was presented to Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Manager Louis Jardine.


[Pictured: Ayrshire Hospice Events Co-ordinator Anne Drennan presents the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle Golf trophy to Martin McKinney, captain of the winning Clydesdale Bank Private Banking team. On the right, Glenn Fulton of the Graham Group, who sponsored the trophy.]

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes commented: "Thanks to the marvellous support received from our members, their guests and the sponsors we have been able to raise this magnificent sum for the Ayrshire Hospice. This is an outstanding result for a first-time event, and is a tribute to the generosity of the Ayrshire business community. We look forward to building on this success in future years to increase our support for such a worthy cause."


[Pictured: Ayrshire Hospice Events Co-ordinator Anne Drennan (centre) presenting the prizes to the winners of the coloured ball competition (left to right): Stephen Brownlow, Transition Interiors; David Kennedy, senior partner at the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr; and Stuart Stevenson of Stevenson Antiques. On the far right is Glenn Fulton of sponsors the Graham Group.]

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle managing director Murdoch MacDonald said: “All of us in the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle were delighted to join with our friends in the Clydesdale Bank to host this inaugural Golf Day, which because of its initial success will now become a regular annual event.

“Since fundraising for the Ayrshire Hospice first started nearly 25 years ago, it has become a cause very dear to the hearts of local people and businesses alike. We are therefore pleased that all funds raised by today’s events will go to benefit a local charity that is worthwhile by anybody’s standards.

“I have been gratified by the success and growth of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle in this its first year, and now look forward to many more Ayrshire companies joining us in the months and years to come.”

Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie said: “Clydesdale Bank were delighted to be involved with the inaugural Elite Ayrshire Business Circle Golf Day. To raise in excess of £10k for the Hospice was a real credit to all the people involved, and I am sure that this event will now feature on an annual basis.”

Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Manager Louis Jardine said: “The Ayrshire Hospice is delighted that the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and the Clydesdale Bank chose the Hospice to benefit from their inaugural Golf Day and Dinner. The weather conditions did nothing to detract from the enjoyment of our day’s golf and the event was perfectly rounded off by the evening’s entertainment at the Ayr Racecourse Princess Royal Suite. Special thanks to David Jellema whose drive and enthusiasm led to the superb sum of £10,500 being presented to support the work of the Hospice – we look forward to our continued partnership at next year’s tournament.”

LINKS:

Ayrshire Hospice

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THE ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association formed last year of some of the top companies in Ayrshire.

Its purpose is to publicise its members, and to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of industry, commerce and business services available within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.

Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse and the Western House Hotel, and member company activities include building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.

For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail eliteayrshire@gmail.com

Founder members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle:

Clydesdale Bank
Ayr Racecourse
Western House Hotel
CKD Galbraith Property Consultants
Frazer Coogans Solicitors
Accident & Injury Claims Centre
MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers
Donald Ross Estate Agents
William Skinner & Son Building Contractors
Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants
Paligap Creative Agency
ARP Lorimer & Associates Architects
Brunston Castle Golf Club
Easton Property
Easton Kitchens & Bathrooms
Visimetrics
Fouters Restaurant
Christie Financial Planning Ltd
Allison Lightbody Waddell Chartered Surveyors
Kestrel Press
Fame Publicity Services

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There are currently 270 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

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Ayr Racecourse reports record advance
ticket sales for Saints and Sinners meeting

By: Iain Ferguson

THE first ever Saints and Sinners Race Night at Ayr Racecourse this Friday 20 June looks like being a runaway success, with advance ticket sales nearing 5000.


[Pictured: the Abba tribute band Bjorn Again, who will feature in the after-race entertainment at the Saints and Sinners meeting on Friday 20 June.]

Already it looks as though the meeting will be Ayr’s third busiest of the season, behind only the Coral Scottish Grand National and John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup.

And the major beneficiaries will be the charities who receive grants from The Saints and Sinners.

Ayr Racecourse Marketing Manager Lindsey Smith commented: “Advance sales have far exceeded expectations and we are looking at a crowd of around 7-8000 which for our first ever Saints and Sinners will be exceptional.

“The buzz about the place is incredible, and there is no doubt Saints and Sinners has caught the imagination of the local community. We are also delighted so many people from central Scotland have also booked tickets.”


The Ayr Executive has laid on top quality after-racing entertainment - with a samba band, jazz quartet, Monster Mash cabaret/revue (pictured above) and a concert from Bjorn Again who will be performing the greatest hits of Abba.

The seven-race card gets under way at 6.10pm with the last race at 9.20pm and the entertainment goes on until 11.15pm.

Bars and restaurants open at 4.10pm on Friday. To find out more about the June meetings call 0870-8505666 or go online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

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There are currently 269 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

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First flat horserace meeting of the season at Ayr Racecourse

By: Iain Ferguson

AYR Racecourse holds its first flat meeting of the year on Wednesday 21 May with a seven-race card coming under starter’s orders at 2.00pm.


The first race is the European Breeders’ Fund Maiden Stakes for two year-olds over six furlongs, and it is expected that the big hitting stables of Mark Johnston and Mick Channon will both have runners in this one.

Feature race is the DM Hall Handicap over five furlongs with £10,500 in prize money, including £6,799 to the winner, and this is sure to attract some decent handicappers from the north’s top yards.

Last race on the card is the marathon Dawn Construction Handicap Stakes run over one mile seven furlongs at 5.30pm.

Special discounts are available on tickets booked seven or more days in advance. For more information go online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or call 0870-8505666.

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Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and Clydesdale Bank Charity Golf Day

THE Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and the Clydesdale Bank will be holding a Charity Golf Day on Tuesday 17 June in aid of the Ayrshire Hospice. The event is open to all businesses in Ayrshire.


The Golf Day will be held at the Belleisle Golf Club, and will be followed by a Racenight and Dinner at Ayr Racecourse in the evening.

To view a PowerPoint presentation about the event CLICK HERE

Or click on "Forward" button (>>) on mini-viewer here:



Entries are invited from teams of three golfers each, and it is hoped that Elite Ayrshire Business Circle members and other Ayrshire businesses will enter at least one team, and that most will enter two teams or even more.

The cost will be £270 for a team of three players, or £450 for a team of six players, and this includes both the round of golf and dinner in the evening for all players.

Besides participation in the golf tournament itself, there are ample sponsorship opportunities available.

All businesses in Ayrshire are urged to take as active a part as possible in what will be a most enjoyable event, an excellent networking opportunity, and a chance to raise funds and support for the Ayrshire Hospice.


Contact David Jellema at the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr on 01292 272072, mobile 07802 186270 or e-mail David.Jellema@eu.nabgroup.com

For further information about the Ayrshire Hospice CLICK HERE

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South Ayrshire Council gives Ayr Racecourse plans the green light

By: Iain Ferguson

AMBITIOUS plans to turn Ayr Racecourse into not only one of the top racecourses in Europe but also one of the most prestigious leisure destinations in the country have been approved by South Ayrshire Council.

The multi-million pound development includes a conference centre, cinema, new bar, restaurant, housing and retail units - and work could start as early as the autumn.

Councillors unanimously agreed that the exciting and ambitious plans would be of huge economic and social benefit to the town as well as putting Ayr on the map both as one of the premier horseracing venues in Scotland – and in Europe.

Speaking after approval was granted yesterday, Chair of the Regulatory Panel on South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Nan McFarlane said: “I’m absolutely delighted these plans have been approved. South Ayrshire Council has worked hard with Ayr Racecourse to agree a modern, dynamic and landmark building.”


During the meeting, councillors were shown plans and drawings of the proposed development (see above and below) that also includes a racing academy, museum, hotel and casino.


Councillor McFarlane continued: “The new building will have a sweeping front, with curves designed to mimic the sea. New car parking, covered walkways and landscaping will provide guests with a real sense of arrival, making a visit to the races and Ayr a truly memorable occasion.”

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “I warmly welcome the news that this proposal has been approved. Ayr Racecourse is important to Ayr, and I am pleased that a conference centre is a key development among the many exciting projects planned.

“There are clear economic and social benefits that go with Ayr being positively promoted as a conference town. I am keen to see this happen and to maximise that potential for all residents in South Ayrshire.”

Ayr Racecourse chairman Alan Macdonald commented: “This is great news, not only for Ayr Racecourse but for the racing industry as a whole.

“Richard Johnstone and I bought the course almost five years ago and have already spent millions upgrading facilities. Now this planning approval means we can finish what we have started and firmly establish Ayr as one of the best in Europe.”

Last month a new £4.5 million Grandstand Sports Bar and a new Owners Bar were opened at the course and on non-race days Ayr Racecourse is building a reputation as a top conference centre, and will host the Scottish Conservative Party conference later this month.

Ayr is now also known as a concert venue, and rock legends Status Quo will headline Burns Rock At The Racecourse there on Sunday May 24.

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Ayr Racecourse announces John Smith’s to sponsor Ayr Gold Cup

By: Iain Ferguson

JOHN SMITH'S is to sponsor the Ayr Gold Cup Festival, Scotland’s top horse racing event of the flat season which includes the richest sprint handicap in Europe - the Ayr Gold Cup.

The drinks brand, synonymous with the sport through their long standing sponsorship of the Grand National at Aintree, will be the main sponsors for the three-day Festival in September, replacing the Tote who had sponsored the race since 2001.

The first John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup will be run on Saturday 20 September, the third and final day of the 2008 John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup Festival.

Announcing the sponsorship deal, Scottish & Newcastle regional sales director Alasdair Moore said: “We are delighted John Smith’s will be the new sponsors of the Ayr Gold Cup. The race is famous throughout Europe, and this is a tremendous opportunity for us.”


Ayr Racecourse chairman Alan Macdonald (pictured above) said: “I am thrilled to welcome John Smith’s - one of the most famous names in racing - to be the new sponsor of the Ayr Gold Cup Festival. The biggest race of the Festival is the Ayr Gold Cup itself, and the John Smith’s sponsorship is set to increase the prize money on offer for the big races on the Friday and Saturday.

“The John Smith’s Ayr Silver Cup run on Friday, which is Ladies Day, will be run for a total prize fund of £50,000 - a tremendous sum considering this is a consolation race. The main race of the Festival, the John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup, will now have a fantastic £150,000 prize fund, which will ensure that this will be a target for all the top trainers.

“Since we took over Ayr Racecourse, John Smith’s have been a great supporter, and have played a significant role in the course’s resurgence. My thanks go to Scottish & Newcastle for this further commitment.”

The Ayr Gold Cup was first run in 1804 and won by Chancellor, also the winner the following year. The first Ayr Gold Cup to be staged on the current Ayr track was in 1907, and was won by Mr. R. Waldie Griffith’s Charis, a five year-old trained by R. Sherwood.

Last year’s race was won by Advanced, trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Jamie Spencer and over the three days crowds of 22,630 flocked to the course, the highest attendance for more than 30 years.

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

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Ayr Racecourse all set for the Scottish Grand National Festival

By: Iain Ferguson

SCOTLAND’S premier jumps meeting, the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival takes place at Ayr racecourse on Friday 18 April and Saturday 19 April, with 15 races over the two days.


Prize money for the meeting is at an all-time high of £563,000 and on Saturday there are two races counting for the BHA Order of Merit Series - the Coral Scottish Grand National which carries a prize fund of £200,000 and the £100,000 Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle.


[Pictured: Hot Weld, winner of the Scottish Grand National 2007.]

Other major races over the two days include on Friday 18 April the £30,000 Coral Supporting Poppyscotland Mares Only Handicap Hurdle over two miles and the Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase, also with £30,000 in prize money, over two miles four furlongs.

On Coral Scottish Grand National Day, the Ashleybank Investments Future Champion Novices’ Chase over two miles four furlongs has £50,000 on offer, while the Albert Bartlett & Sons Handicap Chase over two miles has £30,000 in prize money.

There are many other attractions over the two days, including a live appearance after racing on Friday by Irish folk rock band The Saw Doctors. Always popular with the racing fraternity, this five-piece band will play in the new £4.5 million Grandstand Bar which will open for the first time that day.

While The Saw Doctors are playing in the Grandstand Bar, the Horseshoe Bar will have a disco blasting out the latest sounds. And on both days the party mood will be obvious as soon as the doors open and the samba sounds of Beats of Brazil will be heard in the paddock area.

On Saturday, the Criterion Jazz Band will also be playing during the afternoon, and on both days racegoers will arrive to the sounds of traditional Scottish music played by pipers. And after racing on Saturday, Reload will play in the Horseshoe Bar.

Another splendid new facility opening on Friday 18 April is the Owners Bar situated on the ground floor of the Princess Royal Stand. This luxurious Bar will not only cater for owners and trainers but also Owners Bar members who pay a special premium rate to join. In addition to bar and restaurant facilities there is also an exclusive betting shop.

To book, log on to www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or by telephone 0870-8505666.

Ayr Racecourse and the associated Western House Hotel are members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

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Ayr Racecourse receives surprise visit
by US presidential candidate’s wife

By: Our Own Correspondent

CINDY McCain, wife of the US Presidential candidate Senator John McCain, was a surprise visitor to Ayr Racecourse last Thursday.

Cindy, 50, attended the Property Raceday in the company of amateur jockey Guy Willoughby and his wife Fiona and another friend Marilyn Burke. All four are Trustees of the Halo Trust, the charity which clears land mines from former war zones.


[Pictured left to right: Trustees of the Halo Trust Cindy McCain (wife of US Republican presidential candidate John McCain), jockey Guy Willoughby, Marilyn Burke, Fiona Willoughby and trainer Lucinda Russell. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

Mrs McCain watched as Guy Willoughby fell from his horse Oliverjohn in the Dawn Homes Handicap.

She had earlier had lunch at Western House Hotel and enjoyed some haggis, neeps and tatties before heading to the course where she watched all seven races.

She also chatted to jockeys and racecourse staff in the Weighing Room before leaving the course to return to the Willoughbys’ home at Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

Cindy said: “I really enjoyed my day at the races. I have been horse racing back home before, but this was very special – it was just a pity that Guy’s horse fell. I thought he was going very well at the time.

“I also enjoyed meeting the trainer of Guy’s horse, Lucinda Russell, and who knows I might even get Lucinda to train a horse for me, and I could come over more often.”

Racecourse spokesman Iain Ferguson said : “I was made aware Mrs McCain was in the company of Guy Willoughby and his party. She was a charming lady, and enjoyed her meal at Western House, but she didn’t want any fuss made.”

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

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Ayr Racecourse and Western House Hotel
win Business Excellence Award

By: Iain Ferguson

AYR Racecourse and Western House Hotel were awarded the Business Excellence Award in the manufacturing and service category at the annual Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Dinner held in the Princess Royal Suite at the racecourse last Friday.


[Pictured left to right: Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence; William Gorol, General Manager, Ayr Racecourse and Jim McGeechan, Chairman Ayrshire Business Excellence Awards. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The award, presented by Business Excellence Ayrshire managing director Jim McGeehan to Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol, caps an amazing turnaround in the fortunes of the business.

In June 2003 Ayr Racecourse was bought by Alan Macdonald, owner of the Dawn Group, and Richard Johnstone, managing director of healthcare provider Thorntoun, in a £10 million deal.

The course and its buildings were in need of a major investment in order to re-establish Ayr as Scotland’s premier racecourse.

Since then there have been massive improvements to the course and its facilities, with many more in the pipeline. One of the most significant changes was the £4.5 million transformation of Western House from the HQ of the Western Meeting Club to a four-star hotel.


In under three years the Western House Hotel (pictured above) has established itself as one of Scotland’s quality wedding venues, and won a string of awards including the Scottish Wedding Hotel of the Year in both 2007 and 2008 and the coveted VisitScotland Thistle Award for Customer Care – Serviced Accommodation 2007.

Other improvements include the opening of the Princess Royal Exhibition, Banqueting and Conference centre in 2005 - Ayrshire’s first ever dedicated venue of its kind.

And next month the £4.5 million Ayrshire Suite will open on the ground floor of the Princess Royal Stand. This will provide a 2500 capacity Grandstand sports bar on racedays and state of the art conference and banqueting facilities on non-race days.

Among the first events to be held there will be the 2008 Scottish Conservative Party conference in May.

Over the past year the racecourse has also staged its first ever rock concert – Rock At The Racecourse featuring The Saw Doctors and Deacon Blue, and in May this year Burns Rock At The Racecourse takes place with Status Quo and special guests From The Jam.

The legendary Saints and Sinners race night will also be staged at Ayr for the first time ever in June after organisers decided to move from Hamilton in order to raise even more money for the charities it supports.

The Racecourse itself has scooped the Racegoers Club Racecourse of the Year Award for Scotland and the North East for four successive years from 2004-2007.

Now more than 80 full-time staff are employed at the Racecourse and Western House, with the number reaching around 700 on major racedays.


[Pictured: Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol.]

Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol said: “It is a great privilege to receive this award on behalf of the team. Alan Macdonald and Richard Johnstone had a vision for the racecourse, and they are already well on their way to achieving that.

”Not only is Ayr Racecourse one of the top courses in the UK, but in Western House Hotel and the Princess Royal Centre we have two marvellous facilities that combine to make Ayr a much more attractive destination for conferences and tourism.”

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

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Ayr Racecourse hosts Saw Doctors
at Scottish Grand National Festival

THE worlds of music and horse racing will meet at Ayr Racecourse next month when Irish folk rockers the Saw Doctors play after racing on the first day of the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival.


[Picture shows: The Saw Doctors. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The band, who last month were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Meteor Ireland Music Awards in Dublin, will play on Friday 18 April in the new £4.5 million Grandstand Bar which opens at the course that day.

The Saw Doctors are due on stage approximately 20 minutes after the last race which is at 5.45pm. Entry to the gig is by race tickets only, which are £25 for Club and £15 for Grandstand.

It is expected the large numbers of owners, trainers and jockeys who will be at Ayr for racing will stay on to see the group affectionately known as “racing’s band”. They have a great affinity with the racing world, and have already played a string of racecourse dates throughout the UK.

Last year the Saw Doctors appeared with Deacon Blue at Rock At The Racecourse at Ayr, and racecourse PRO Iain Ferguson said: “It should be a very good night. There is usually a decent crowd at the Friday meeting before the Scottish Grand National, and the Saw Doctors will add to that.

“I know by talking to the jump jockeys who regularly ride here that they are looking forward to seeing the band.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or by calling 0870-8505666. There is a £2 discount available on Club tickets if these are booked seven or more days in advance, and £4 discount for quantities of 20 or more. Grandstand discounts are £1 per ticket on bookings up to 20 and £2 per ticket for 20 or more.

The Saw Doctors concert will be the first of several at Ayr Racecourse in 2008. Status Quo headline this year’s Burns Rock At The Racecourse on Saturday 24 May and Abba tribute band Bjorn Again appear after racing on Saints and Sinners Night on 20 June.

www.sawdoctors.com

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Ayr Racecourse adopts Irish theme for its March jumps meeting

By: Iain Ferguson

AYR Racecourse holds its two-day March meeting on Friday 7 March and Saturday 8 March with seven races on each day.


[Picture shows Dalwan, ridden by Kevin Tobin winning the Racing Post “Hands And Heels” Jump Series Handicap Hurdle at Ayr on 21 February.]

La Barrique Fine Wines sponsor the Friday card with the feature race the J20 Handicap Chase, a Class 3 event over three miles one furlong at 3.00pm. This should attract a decent entry with a first prize of almost £6000.

The Sunnycliff Wines Handicap Hurdle over two miles five and a half furlongs at 4.45pm is run for the James Barclay Challenge Trophy and a member of the Barclay family who have long standing connections with Ayr Racecourse will be on hand to present the trophy.

First race, The Bacardi Rum Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle is off at 2.00pm with the final race, The Maclachlans Hunters Chase over two miles five furlongs at 5.20pm.

On Saturday its Allied Irish (GB) Raceday with the main race The Allied Irish (GB) Corporate Banking Handicap Chase over two miles at 3.55pm. This race carries £10,000 in prize money and is likely to be a competitive affair.

Another good contest will be The Allied Irish Bank (GB) Wealth Management Handicap Hurdle for the Ayrshire Yeomanry Cup. This two mile four furlong Class three contest over two miles four furlongs should see some decent hurdlers battle for the £4500 first prize.

Throughout the course on the day the bars will be Irish themed with bar staff wearing some form of Irish costume. Corporate Hospitality areas will also be Irish themed as will public food areas and restaurants.

An Irish band will be playing during the day, and there will be music from Irish bands - Saw Doctors, Pogues etc played on the PA before racing.

During the afternoon leading Irish trainers and jockeys will be interviewed about their prospercts at Cheltenham which is held the following week. And there will be a live band playing for three hours after the last race which is at 5.35pm.

Advance bookings can be made online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or by calling 0870-8505666. Bars and restaurants open at 12 noon on Friday and at 12.15 on Saturday.

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Western House Hotel named as Wedding Hotel of the Year

By: Murdoch MacDonald

AN Ayr hotel has scooped a hotel industry Oscar for the second year in a row - less than three years after opening!

Western House Hotel at Ayr Racecourse has been voted Scottish Wedding Hotel Of The Year 2008 at the prestigious Scottish Hotels Of The Year Awards held at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh on Sunday evening.


[Picture shows: Western House Hotel Conferencing and Banqueting Manager Jane McRoberts, left, and Wedding Co-ordinator Jean Kerr with the Wedding Hotel of the Year Award. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The four-star hotel was chosen by a panel of more than 20 judges including representatives from leading Scottish magazines, VisitScotland and the Scottish Press. More than 500 Scottish hotel industry professionals attended the event.

Now in their 5th year, the Scottish Hotel of the Year awards is the largest event of the year and is hailed as the ‘Oscars’ of the Scottish hotel industry. The event was hosted by BBC presenter Sally Magnusson and attended by guest of honour Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney MSP. The evening featured a surprise performance from Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus.

Designed to encourage, recognise and reward excellence in hotels and staff in Scotland, the Scottish Hotels of the Year awards are administered by Scottish hotel review website HotelReviewScotland.com (HRS).

Nominations are made by consumers, industry and HRS reviewers. Final award winners are selected by a proportional combination of online public votes, an Awards Panel made up of well-known industry experts and critics, and finally, a four-strong panel of Award Judges, including renowned food writer Wendy Barrie. The 2008 awards attracted votes from over 20,000 people worldwide.


William Gorol (pictured above), General Manager of Ayr Racecourse, owners of the Western House Hotel, was naturally proud of the award, and said: “The success is down to having a great team from our wedding co-ordinator through to the hotel management and chefs, restaurant staff and bar staff.

“I was fortunate enough to be here when Western House Hotel opened, and was given the task of hand picking my staff and I can’t be happier with what we have achieved in so short a period of time.”

Chairman of the Scottish Hotel of the Year awards Gary McLean remarked: “We are delighted to award Western House Hotel with a Wedding Hotel of the Year – Large for their consistent excellence and innovation in the dynamic and demanding weddings market. We are especially delighted to have awarded Western House Hotel’s Jean Kerr with a Special Commendation – Wedding Coordinator for her dedication to excellence.”


In 2007 Western House held more than 150 weddings, and that figure looks certain to be topped this year. Last October Western House also won a coveted VisitScotland Thistle Award for Customer Care – Service Accommodation.

The 49-bedroom destination was formerly the meeting place and offices of the Western Meeting Club, owners of Ayr Racecourse until 2003. It opened as a hotel on 3 June 2005.

Visit the Western House Hotel website: CLICK HERE

And the Ayr Racecourse website: CLICK HERE

Ayrshire Scotland Business News....
- where Ayrshire business news breaks first!
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Status Quo will rock the Burns Festival at Ayr Racecourse

ROCK icons Status Quo are to headline the 2008 Burns Rock At The Racecourse concert at Ayr Racecourse, one of the main events of the Burns an’ a’ that Festival.


As the legendary band announced the prestigious gig, founder member and guitarist Francis Rossi said: “The boys are delighted we have been asked to headline Burns Rock At The Racecourse. Normally the furthest south we are in Scotland is Glasgow, so its good to be playing Ayr.

“I’m not too familiar with the works of Burns, but I’ve plenty of time to read up before the concert, and who knows I might even recite something form his works.”

Burns Rock At The Racecourse will be staged on Saturday 24 May and follows a successful first ever Rock At The Racecourse in May 2007 which featured Deacon Blue and The Saw Doctors.

Burns Festival director Michael McDaid said: “This is great news for the Burns an’ a’ that Festival. Rock At The Racecourse was a huge success last year, and to be able to announce that a band of Status Quo’s standing will be playing next year is brilliant.

“The racecourse is a perfect venue for concerts of this type, and everyone who attended earlier this year recognised that.

“Status Quo have a huge following, and by bringing a band of this magnitude to Ayr we are sure will be build on last year’s audience of 5,000 people. The Burns an’ a’ that Festival is all about attracting visitors to this wonderful part of Scotland, and I am sure we will achieve that with this concert.”

Status Quo is one of the most successful bands in the history of rock. They formed in 1966, and have sold tens of millions of albums and singles all over the world. The band is currently on tour promoting their latest album “In Search Of The Fourth Chord”.

Tickets for the concert priced £27.50 are now on sale from Ayr Racecourse and Ticketmaster.

www.statusquo.co.uk

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

Excellent prize money on offer at
Ayr Racecourse’s February meeting

By: Murdoch MacDonald

AYR Racecourse's next meeting takes place on Saturday 9 February with the seven race card offering a healthy £51,000 in prize money.


The Valentine's Raceday will be the first of two held in February (there is also a meeting on 21 February) and there is some great racing in prospect.

Feature race is the Book Now For The Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase at 4.25pm with £16,500 in prize money and a first prize of £10,333.

This Class 2 event is run over three miles one furlong and is sure to attract some top chasers.

First race is at 1.45pm, The Dawn Developments Handicap Hurdle over two miles, and the last race, the Princess Royal Suite For Parties Handicap Chase is due off at 4.55pm.

Advance bookings can be made online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or by calling 0870-8505666. Discounts are available on bookings made seven or more days in advance.

Ayr Racecourse wins top award for the fourth year running

AYR Racecourse has made it four in a row by being voted Racecourse of the Year 2007 for Scotland and the North East by The Racegoers Club.


Ayr also won the award in 2004, 2005 and 2006, which underlines the track’s status as not only Scotland’s premier racecourse but also one of the top courses in the UK.

The award comes as Ayr prepares to open even more new facilities in 2008. Work has begun on a £3.5 million Grandstand Bar which will cater for up to 3,000 people on racedays, and an Owners Bar incorporating a restaurant and with access to a betting shop. Not only will the latter be open to owners and trainers, but also those who wish to take out Owners Club Membership.

The honour from The Racegoers Club is particularly pleasing for those associated with Ayr, as the Club has 6,500 members who are all avid racegoers. Ayr has previously won the award 13 times since 1990.

Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol said: “I was delighted to receive this news. It is proof that the improvements we are making are appreciated by members of the Racegoers Club, who are in my eyes aficionados of the sport.

“To win this award four times in a row is especially pleasing, and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for us.”

ATTENDANCES at Ayr Racecourse rose during the 2007 flat season by 7% with an average of 3,934 per meeting.

The flagship flat meeting of the season, the totesport Ayr Gold Cup Festival, recorded its highest three-day attendance (22,000) for more than 30 years.

Other successes were the June Saturday meeting, with an increase of around 30% to 6,500, and the July Family Day which rose by around 10% to just under 4,000.

The 2008 season promises even bigger attendances, with Ayr hosting the Saints and Sinners Charity Night next June for the first time. Organisers have moved the meeting from Hamilton in a bid to increase crowd figures and raise even more money for charity.

Scotland’s premier racecourse has seen an upturn in fortunes since it was bought by Ayrshire businessmen Alan Macdonald and Richard Johnstone in June 2003, and the latest attendance figures are another major step forward.
The new owners have already invested more than £20 million in the course, and that will be increased over the winter with a new £3.5 million Sports Bar being built in the Grand Stand in addition to a new Owners Bar catering for owners, trainers and premium rate members.

Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol said: “These figures are a huge boost to us all at Ayr. We are striving to give the best possible deal to racegoers in terms of quality of racing and quality of the facilities, and these figures show we are getting the message across.”

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

Ayr Racecourse and Western House Hotel gain Investors in People

AYR Racecourse and the Western House Hotel have been awarded the Investors In People standard.

The Racecourse employs 210 staff, with a further 80 working at Western House and Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol said he was “delighted and proud” both organisations had been awarded the prestigious standard.


[Picture: Corporate entertainment facilities at Ayr Racecourse.]

IIP status is awarded to organisations and businesses that have consistently demonstrated good practice in their approach to people management and development, as defined by the Investors in People national standard and confirmed through independent assessment.

William Gorol added: “As employers, we pride ourselves on our commitment to staff training. It is important that we have staff who know their business and provide the public with the best possible service.

“Investors In People is a recognised standard throughout industry, and I am delighted and proud that both Ayr Racecourse and Western House Hotel have achieved this standard.”

Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire operations director Jim Reid said: “I am delighted that Ayr Racecourse and Western House Hotel have been recognised for the Investors in People status.

“Tourism is an important industry in Ayrshire and forward-thinking organisations like these will ensure that it continues to develop and grow. It is a great credit to all of the employees that this standard has been achieved, and it demonstrates a high degree of commitment from everyone involved.

“Successful organisations focus on the skills and learning of their people, and Ayrshire’s labour supply is one of our strengths. I would encourage other businesses and individuals to take their lead from this success story and make workforce development a priority.”

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk