Ayr We Go On The Road To Top Class Scots Track

May 4 2008 Joe Punter

I'M chuffed to bits that Ayr have finally been given the green light for their plan to turn the course into just what the sport in Scotland needs.

The council's go-ahead for a superb flagship track will prove to our snooty neighbours down south that we don't live in Mickey Mouse land.

I have been berated by the Nimby lobby in Ayr who can't see past the price of their homes etc.

But if you want to have a fighting chance of competing with the Yorks of this world it's a massive boost for the turf scene here.We have some wonderful tracks in Scotland but for too long we have been regarded as the poor relations in the UK.

Okay, we will never be able to compete with Ascot, Newmarket and Doncaster but why should we not have big dreams?

THE British Horseracing Authority is stirring the corruption pot yet again with jockey Dean McKeown and trainer Paul Blockley among those under the spotlight.

I only hope the BHA have learned their lessons from the previous probe that resulted in a total farce.

It's one thing to accuse racing of being bent, an entirely different proposition to prove your case.

It will be interesting to find out if the BHA have got their act together.

GOT a racing query? Write to Joe Punter, Sports Desk, Sunday Mail, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA or you can email him at joepunter @sundaymail.co.uk