Ayr Gold Cup 2024: How to watch Europe's richest sprint handicap, prize money, tickets, history, and odds

The centrepiece of the meet is the Ayr Gold Cup itself which was first held in 1804 at Ayr's former racecourse at Belleisle and originally was only open to horses bred and trained in Scotland.

The modern event is held at Ayr Racecourse, run over six furlongs (1,207 metres) and is open to all thoroughbreds aged three years or older.

Such is the popularity of the race it attracts many more horse than can complete in its maximum field of 25 - this year 224 horses were entered.

Due to this, many of the horses that don’t make the cut run in the Siver Cup and Bronze Cup instead - held on the same day.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s racing.

When is the Ayr Gold Cup?

The Ayr Gold Cup takes place on the final day of the festival on Saturday, starting at 3.35pm.

What other races take place at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival?

The full list of races over the three days, and the prize money up for grabs, is as follows:

Thursday, September 21 (Opening Day)

• 2.12pm – The British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (Class 4) £20,000
• 2.42pm – The Western House Hotel Ebf Novice Stakes (Class 5) £8,000
• 3.12pm – The BrandingHub For Signs & Graphics Handicap Stakes (Class 5) £8,000
• 3.42pm – The Livescore Bet Kilkerran Handicap Stakes (Class 2) £30,000
• 4.15pm – The British Stallion Studs Scottish Premier Series EBF Fillies’ Handicap Stakes (Class 4) £17,000
• 4.48pm – The Ayrshire Cancer Support Handicap Stakes (Class 5) £8,000
• 5.23pm – The Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Stakes(Class 6) £7,000

Friday, September 20 (Ladies Day)

• 2.03pm – The Livescore Bet Fillies’ Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 4) £15,000
• 2.33pm – The Get Home Safe With Thistle Cabs EBF Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 2) £18,000
• 3.05pm – The British EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race) £35,500
• 3.40pm – The Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies’ Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race) £47,000
• 4.15pm – The Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup Handicap Stakes (Class 2) £35,000
• 4.45pm – The Microtech Group Handicap Stakes (Class 5) £9,000
• 5.20pm – The Slater Menswear Handicap Stakes (Class 5) £9,000

Saturday, September 21 Gold Cup Day

• 1.15pm – The Livescore Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Stakes (Class 2) £45,000
• 1.50pm – The Livescore Bet Doonside Cup Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race) £60,000
• 2.25pm – The Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup Handicap Stakes (Class 2) £65,000
• 3.00pm – The Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Firth Of Clyde (Class 1) (Group 3)(For The Ayrshire Agricultural Challenge Cup) £65,000
• 3.35pm – The Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Handicap Stakes (Class 2) (Heritage Handicap) £180,000
• 4.10pm – The Jordan Electrics Handicap Stakes (Class 4) £20,000
• 4.40pm – The Millar Callaghan 25th Anniversary Handicap Stakes (Class 3) £25,000

How much prize money is available at the Ayr Gold Cup?

The Ayr Gold Cup is worth £200,000, making it the most valuable flat race handicap in Europe.

Can I get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup?

You can still get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup, with day tickets starting at £33 and three day tickets from £55. There are also a multitude of hospitality tickets and packages available. Check them all out here.

Can I watch the Ayr Gold Cup on television?

The Ayr Gold Cup will be broadcast live on television?

Who are the favourites to win the Ayr Gold Cup?

The field will be confirmed on Wednesday, Sptember 18, but the current favourites are Albasheer (8/1), Rohaan (9/1), Ramazan (10/1), Wiltshire (12/1), and American Affair (12/1).

Watch this space for the full field.