Ayr gallop a success

The realigned bend at Ayr was given its first test when a racecourse gallop was staged round the turn into the home straight.This was the first time horses had galloped into the straight after the incident at the track on July 13 when seven horses came down in an accident that resulted in jockey Joe Fanning breaking his collar bone and trainer Linda Perratt's horse Balwearie suffering a broken jaw.Jockeys Phillip Makin, Tom Eaves, Danny Tudhope and Gary Bartley all took part and BHA course inspector Chris Dennis joined clerk of the course Hazel Peplinski to watch the early morning gallop.Makin said afterwards: "The bend rode well and was sweeter than before. We didn't need to take a tug and I was going as fast as I could."Tudhope added: "Itwas fine and there were no problems. Its just a shame this incident happened at Ayr. Its such a lovely track that I just love riding round."Peplinski said: "It was a good gallop and the bend appeared to ride safely and very well. Tom, Phillip, Danny and Gary were all very positive and we are all looking forward to racing taking place round it on August 26 and 27."It has been a worrying time but I am much happier now. The survey showed that there are subtle changes to the rail alignment which will make the bend sweeter and there is plenty of room to save ground in the future by moving the rail without compromising the optimum alignment."