Ayr Racecourse is mourning the loss of Glasses Up, the 11-year-old gelding whose 12 victories at the Craigie venue made him the most successful single horse there in the post-Second World War era.
In a tribute published by Ayr Racecourse, condolences were sent to trainer Mike Smith’s yard in Galston and to the horse’s owners, a group known collectively as The Jolly Beggars. The racecourse said Glasses Up had been a popular runner with local racegoers throughout an eight-year association with Ayr.
A record at Ayr Racecourse
Glasses Up raced at Ayr 56 times over more than eight years. Alongside his 12 wins, he recorded six second-place finishes and six thirds, giving him a particularly strong record at the course.
His first Ayr victory came in June 2018, when he was ridden by Paddy Mathers. Mathers later partnered the horse to six of his wins at the track.
The gelding’s final success at Ayr came in July this year, when apprentice jockey Shay Farmer brought him home in front. The win was met with what the racecourse described as “tumultuous applause” from owners and racegoers.
A career spanning 112 races
Glasses Up was formerly trained by Joseph O’Brien. His other victory came at Musselburgh in July 2021, under jockey Ben Curtis, who was also among the riders to win with him at Ayr.
Other jockeys who rode Glasses Up to victory at Ayr were Joanna Mason, David Allan, Sean Kirrane and Jason Hart. Across his career, the gelding ran 112 races and recorded 13 successes.
Ayr Racecourse said the 12-win record would be a difficult target for another horse to match or surpass. The tribute described his racing career as a terrific one and praised his connections for the care and commitment that helped sustain it.
