Toscanini goes for Gold at Ayr

Toscanini makes a rare foray into handicap company for Scotland’s most valuable Flat race, the Ayr Gold Cup, run over six furlongs at Ayr on Saturday, September 23. 

The Richard Fahey-trained five-year-old, fifth at five furlongs on his only previous handicap appearance at Meydan, UAE, in February, 2016, stayed on well to go down by a neck to Talaayeb in the seven-furlong G3 City Of York Stakes at York on August 25. 

The son of Shamardal lined up alongside stable companion Ribchester in three of Europe’s leading G1 mile contests before that, finishing behind him in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in August. Toscanini came home fifth, beaten three lengths in total, on very soft ground in last-named race.

Ridden by Tony Hamilton, he will encounter similar going at Ayr on Saturday when he takes on up to 24 opponents from stall 22.

Richard Fahey commented: “Toscanini is a very talented horse and could run a big race in the Ayr Gold Cup, even with his weight of 9st 10lb. 

“He has done a great job this year with Ribchester and put up a cracking effort in the City Of York Stakes last time out.”