Winner and a fine 2nd Place at Ayr on Monday

Our last visit to a jumps racecourse (Musselburgh a couple of Sundays ago) wasn't the happiest for the yard, so we're all in a much brighter mood after Ayr on Monday. A first win from a stable stalwart and a fine runner up from a promising novice hurdler.

Okay Nights In Venice may only be officially rated in 2 figures but there was a lot to like about the style of his first win on the racecourse in the 2 mile handicap chase that opened Ayr's Monday card.
Carrying on where he left off last time on his chase debut at Carlisle, the Al Duncan bred son of Midnight Legend jumped superbly tucked in behind the two leaders, travelling well off a stronger pace than he's been used to. A slight peck at the grass over one down the far side, he was soon back on an even keel. Henry asked his mount for an effort after 3 out and he was soon upsides Aldera Cross and the only danger looked to be Travail D'Orfervre on his outside.
Taking it up after jumping 2 out, Nights In Venice soon forged ahead from his opponent and stayed on well over the last. He probably idled slightly on the run-in which allowed the pack to close the gap, but the win never looked in any danger.

There looks to be more to come from this gelding - he's certainly at the right end of the handicap!

Nights In Venice (Henry Brooke) in the winner's enclosure (finally)

So, onto the Class 4 handicap hurdle an hour and a half later.

We thought beforehand that Both Barrels may have his hands full on handicap hurdle debut trying to concede 11lb to our near neighbour Jackie Stephen's Eire Street. Both Barrels went down by 4¾ lengths in the end but the winner won this readily and is a massive improver who will be short odds to complete a hat-trick, even when re-assessed.
Still, our gelding was clear of a well strung-out field at the finish. He wasn't that fluent at all of his hurdles and ran green quite a few times (on and off the bridle). But he clearly possesses a fair bit of talent (this was his 6th placed effort in 6 races) and stayed on in game fashion on the run-in.

So, a fine 2nd place, an other step forward and the 6yr-old Both Barrels remains a horse with the potential to improve.

Oh, and hope some of you took our raceday preview 'advice' and had a couple of bob on the each way double (evening prices of course!).