Ayr set to win the numbers game as English tracks feel effects of lack of rain

The Midlands and East Anglia have been among the areas of England worst affected by the ongoing lack of rain but it is a different story north of the border where field sizes at Ayr on Monday are expected to buck the overall trend in Britain.

In contrast to Leicester, which had to switch to an all-hurdles card last Monday as it was unable to water due to local restrictions, it is expected to be business as usual at Ayr where there are 102 entries, following on from this week's meeting on Tuesday, when there were 80 runners and just one absentee.

Clerk of the course Graeme Anderson sympathises with other tracks as he had issues with quick ground as recently as last month, but now the rain has arrived he said he is relieved he resisted watering.