Amy Ryan, daughter of Hambleton trainer Kevin, can celebrate a belated birthday present at Ayr tomorrow by riding a winner.

One of the leading female amateur riders in the country, Ryan, who was 19 earlier this week, has been booked by David Barker to partner recent winner Whinhill House in the Bet Totepool Amateur Riders Handicap.

A seasoned campaigner these days, Whinhill House scored a pillar-to-post win at Musselburgh on his latest outing and although that was only a seller, this race is of little better quality. He should give Ryan a solid winning chance in this five furlongs dash.

The Ryan family could have further cause to celebrate if Kevin lands the Campbeltown Bar Stewart Scott Memorial Handicap with Wigwam Willie.

Successful at Ripon on his latest outing, the six-year-old is at his best with give in the ground and hopefully conditions will be in his favour in the west of Scotland, provided the weather forecast for rain proves correct.

Main danger to Wigwam Willie, the mount of Barry McHugh, is surely Esoterica, who has been firmly knocking on the door recently and who is a winner waiting to happen.

Bryan Smart, also based at Hambleton, can also figure on the Ayr scoreboard with Snow Bay in the Unison 60th NHS Anniversary Maiden Stakes.

This promising juvenile ran On Offer to just over a length at Newcastle last time and might well have beaten the winner had he not been drawn on the opposite side of the course.

Tom Eaves again has the mount.

Jim Goldie has a whole host of runners at this meeting and the Glasgow trainer can hit the target with Grandad Bill, the mount of Paul Hanagan, in the toteswinger Handicap.

Although not the easiest of horses to win with, Grandad Bill has run well on his last two outings, finishing second here and third at Newcastle last week. A winning turn can not be denied him much longer.

Mel Brittain’s Big Slick (2.20), who has run creditably in defeat in his last two starts, after landing a brace of wins, has good prospects of getting back on top, while Imperial Sword (4.20), a decent second to the well-backed Optical Illusion at Hamilton last week, has every chance of going one better on behalf of Thirsk trainer David Barron and is awarded the nap vote.

Over the sticks at Market Rasen, Tony McCoy should enjoy a rewarding meeting.

The champion jockey has winning chances on Russian Flag (2.40) and Inaro (4.10). The former performed creditably on his comeback run after a lengthy absence, to finish third at Fakenham, while Inaro was a winner last time at Towcester.



Racing selections

Ayr (tomorrow).

2.20 Big Slick, 2.50 Snow Bay, 3.20 Grandad Bill, 3.50 Forrest Flyer, 4.20 Imperial Sword (NAP), 4.50 Wigwam Willie, 5.20 Whinhill House.

Market Rasen (tomorrow).

2.10 El Coto, 2.40 Russian Flag, 3.10 Winter Star, 3.40 The Rocking Dock, 4.10 Inaro, 4.40 Kirby’s View, 5.10 Seattle Sound.

Tomorrow’s other meeting: Brighton.

Today’s meetings: Sandown, Beverley, Carlisle, Haydock, Leicester and Nottingham.