Horse racing in Ayr dates back to 1576, but the first official meeting did not take place until 1771[2] at a racecourse situated in the Seafield area of the town.

In the early days, racing was supported by the local landed gentry and members of the Caledonian Hunt.

Important figures in the course's history have included the Earl of Eglinton, Sir James Boswell and the Duke of Portland.

[6] Ayr Racecourse hosts numerous race meets throughout the year, but the two primary ones are over jumps in April and on the Flat in September.

[8] The turn approaching the straight is slightly downhill, and those prominent can gain an advantage once in line for home.

[10] Ayr has been voted Best Racecourse in Scotland and the North East nineteen times by the Racegoers Club, including nine years in a row up until 2013.

[11] It has also won the Neil Wyatt Ground Staff Award for the Best Dual Purpose Course twice – in 1996 and 2011.

[12] This award is voted on by representatives of the National Trainers Federation and Professional Jockeys' Association to recognise the achievements of racecourse groundstaff.