Thousands headed to Ayr Racecourse last week for the annual
three day extravaganza that is the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup
Festival.
And despite some heavy showers on the middle day - William Hill
Ladies Day - the weather in the main held up despite a dreadful
forecast and the Festival was voted a great success by the public
and racing industry.
The event attracts many, many visitors to the area and one such
woman was luckier than most. Marketing consultant Debbie Grogan
from Sheffield is a keen racegoer and attended Champagne GH Mumm
Ladies Night in August when she was awarded a Bronze Coin and
a place in the final of Ladies Day.
On Friday she duly limed up with the other 24 finalists in the
Ayrshire Suite and from the tombola drum drew Coolminx - the
subsequent winner of the William Hill Ayr Bronze Cup.
Debbie had to endure a photo finish as Coolminx crossed the line
along with stablemate Jeannie Galloway but in the end she was
overjoyed to win.
A delighted Debbie was presented with the keys to the car by Jim
Smith of Kerr & Smith, principal sponsors of the Ladies Day
competition and she said : "I am absolutely gobsmacked - never in
my wildest dreams did I think I'd win.
"I go racing with my husband all over Britain and Ayr has always
been special to me - now I'll never ever forget the track and this
meeting. I'd like to thank Jim Smith and his company for sponsoring
the event. We've had a fabulous time and even if I hadn't won the
car I was still enjoying myself despite the weather."
Runner up prize of a fabulous trip to Dubai from Stewart Travel
was won by Gillian Wilson from Ayr who will soon be jetting off to
enjoy an unexpected sunshine holiday. Third prize of a piece of
jewellery from Alex Cairncross went to Stewarton woman Alana
Rafferty.
There was also an added bonus for Jason Hart of Ballater and
Michael Goldie of Ayr who each picked up £300 of Slaters vouchers
from Jack Blades, Manager of Slaters in Ayr after being voted the
Best Dressed Men on the day.
First Minister Alex Salmond attended on Saturday and mingled
with the crowd throughout the day and took time out to chat to many
of the racegoers.
The three day meeting attracted slightly fewer to the course
than in previous years - around 19,000 took in the action but the
feedback was very positive.
Lindsey Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager of Ayr Racecourse
said : "I have never heard so many positive comments at any
meeting. We had a fantastic three days and although the weather
wasn't kind to us on Friday nobody let it dampen their spirits.
"We entertained 200 William Hill employees from all over the UK
for their long service awards and they were all very impressed with
everything."