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GOING FOR GOLD

When is the 2018 Ayr Gold Cup, what is the prize money, which horse is the favourite and is there a live stream?

THE feature contest this weekend is the historic Ayr Gold Cup.

The 6f sprint was first held in 1804 and has been won by some top-class sprinters over the years. Here's all you need to know about the big race.

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What is the Ayr Gold Cup?

The Ayr Gold Cup is a heritage handicap held at Ayr racecourse, open to horses aged three and over.

It is run over a distance of six furlongs.

It was first run in 1804 and is one of most historic handicaps held in the UK.

When is the Ayr Gold Cup?

This year's Ayr Gold Cup will be run on Saturday 22 September.

The three-day meeting kicks off on Thursday 20 September.


TRACKMAN Andy Ayres has the inside the scoop from the tracks this weekend


How can I watch the race?

The race will be shown live on ITV4 and Racing UK.

Racing UK is on Sky Channel 426 and Virgin Media Channel 536.

ITV4 will broadcast four races from Ayr and four races from Newbury.

What is the prize money for the race?

This year's Ayr Gold Cup offers £124,500 to the winner!

Who is the favourite for this year's race?

Talented sprinter Son Of Rest currently heads the betting at 5-1, having finished second in the Group 1 Flying Five Stakes on Sunday.

Growl, Flying Pursuit and Laugh A Minute are all vying for second favouritism.

Who is running in the race?

The final declarations have been announced - Check it out here.

 Son Of Rest heads the betting for the Ayr Gold Cup
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Son Of Rest heads the betting for the Ayr Gold CupCredit: PA:Press Association

Who won the 2017 Ayr G0ld Cup?

The 2017 Ayr Gold Cup was staged at Haydock racecourse, with the track at Ayr waterlogged.

The rearranged race was won by Donjuan Triumphant  for trainer Andrew Balding at odds of 13-2.

History of the Ayr Gold Cup

  • The first two runnings of the Ayr Gold Cup were in 1804 and 1805 when Chancellor won the race. A restaurant at the course is named in the horse’s honour.
  • In recent years the most successful trainer in the race with six wins is David Nicholls – Bahamian Pirate (2000), Continent (2001), Funfair Wane (2002 and 2004), Regal Parade (2008) and Redford (2010).
  • Oisin Murphy wrote his name into the record books in 2013 when he rode four winners on Ayr Gold Cup Saturday – the first jockey ever to do so.

Can I get tickets?

Of course!

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