Ayr Racecourse - South Ayrshire, Scotland. - Horse Racing Tracks on Waymarking.com

Horse racing had first taken place at Ayr in the 18th century with a course in the Seafield area of the town. The Ayr Gold Cup was first run here in 1804, but by the turn of the 20th century the course was regarded as being too small and a new site was found in the Craigie area of the town. Opened in 1907, the track was a 1 mile 4 furlong oval.

In 1950 the jumps track was opened and racing now took place all year round. In 1966 the Scottish Grand National was transferred to Ayr from the Bogside track at Irvine and became the most prestigious jumps race in Scotland.

The stands have been upgraded over the years and it is the premier horse racing track of Scotland's five racecourses, and one of only two that stage both flat and jumps races. The two most famous races remain the Ayr Gold Cup and Scottish Grand National, both run towards the end of the respective flat and jumps seasons. The Gold Cup, the richest sprint in Europe, is a 6 furlong handicap on the straight course, run in September on the final day of the Western Meeting. The Scottish Grand National is run in April and is 4 miles 1 furlong over three circuits of the track and 27 fences.

The racecourse lies within the town, east of the centre on Whitletts Road, one of the main routes from the town centre to the A77 by-pass.

To post a Visit for a waymark in this category, you will need to physically visit the track described in the waymark. If possible a photo of yourself at the track should be included in your log. Feel free to post some photos of the races you attended and of the fine animals you've seen. Did you have a photo taken with a Jockey?

You do not need to enter the track or attend an event to post a visit. However a photo of you outside the track with some racecourse signage is requested.

If you would like, share a story about your visit. Did you bet at the track? How much did you win? How much did you lose?