Run over 6f, the Ayr Gold Cup is a handicap race open to horses aged 3 or older and staged at Ayr racecourse. The line-up is put together from the highest-rated horses entered, with the maximum number of runners currently standing at 27 – any horses that don’t make the race are offered the chance to run in the consolation races – the Ayr Silver and Bronze Cups. Did you know since 1980 we’ve seen just 3 winning favourites?
Here at RACING AHEAD we take a look back at recent winners and gives you the key trends to look out for ahead of the 2022 renewal – this year run on Saturday 17th September.
Recent Ayr Gold Cup Winners
2021 – Bielsa (15/2)
2020 – Nahaarr (7/2 fav)
2019 – Angel Alexander (28/1)
2018 – Baron Bolt (28/1) & Son Of A Rest (5/1 fav)
2017 – Donjuan Triumphant (13/2)
2016 – Brando (11/1)
2015 – Don’t Touch (6/1 fav)
2014 – Louis The Pious (10/1)
2013 – Highland Colori (20/1)
2012 – Captain Ramius (16/1)
2011 – Our Jonathan (11/1)
2010 – Redford (14/1)
2009 – Jimmy Styles (14/1)
2008 – Regal Parade (18/1)
2007 – Advanced (20/1)
2006 – Fonthill Road (16/1)
2005 – Presto Shinko (12/1)
2004 – Funfair Wane (33/1)
2003 – Quito (20/1)
2002 – Funfair Wane (16/1)
Key Ayr Gold Cup Betting Trends
21/21 – Raced within the last 8 weeks
18/21 – Raced within the last 4 weeks
18/21 – Had 3 or more wins to their name
16/21 – Had won over 6f before
16/21 – Failed to win their last race
14/21 – Rated 90-101
14/21 – Carried 9-1 or more
14/21 – Came from a double-figure stall
13/21 – Aged 4 or 5 years-old
13/21 – Finished in the top 4 last time out
11/21 – Had 7 or more runs that season
11/21 – Unplaced favourites
11/21 – Winning distance 1 length or less
11/21 – Ran at Doncaster (3), Goodwood (5) or Haydock (3) last time out
10/21 – Had raced at Ayr before
5/21 – Trained by Kevin Ryan
3/21 – Winning favourites (4 winning favs since 1980)
2/21 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori
2/21 – Trained by Andrew Balding (2 of the last 9)
0/21 – Filly or mare winners
12 of the last 13 winners came from stalls 8 or higher (4 of the last 17 winners came from stall 8)
Since 1980 just 6 winners aged 6 or older
The last horse to win back-to-back races was Heronsiea in 1930/31
The average winning SP in the last 21 years is 14/1
