Ayr- Report 19th September 2021
BIELSA gave trainer Kevin Ryan a fifth win in the £150,000 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup in front of an excited 12,000 crowd.
Racing alone from stall 25 under the stands’ rails, the 15/2 chance saw off Great Ambassdor, who came from stall one across on the far side, by two and a quarter lengths.
Hambleton-based Ryan said: “This has always been a very special race and we always have plenty of runners over three-day meeting. To win the Ayr Gold Cup five times is just amazing and we will certainly enjoy it.
“These days you need a class horse to win it and this is a class horse. We targeted Ayr after he ran at Goodwood and the plan has paid off.”
Bielsa is named after Leed United manager Marcelo Bielsa and Ryan is a fervent fan of the Elland Road Premier League club.
The horse was ridden by Kevin Stott, who was gaining his first win in Scotland’s big sprint, and he added: “I’ve always wanted to win the Ayr Gold Cup. I’ve had a few rides in it but never even gone close until now.
“We had a plan to come up the stands’ side it has worked to perfection. He is a very uncomplicated horse and he has deserved to win a big race.”