Ayrshire was a dark-coated bay, praised for his “beauty” and “symmetry”,[1] bred by his owner William Cavendish-Bentinck, 6th Duke of Portland[2] a Conservative politician and landowner.

In a “splendid race” run in thick mist Ayrshire finished third, beaten a neck and a head by the filly Briar-root who went on to win the 1000 Guineas in 1888, and an unnamed ”Ellangowan colt” (later named Caerlaverock).

[1] Although Friar’s Balsam was perceived as by far the best colt of his generation, Ayrshire who had thrived over the winter was regarded by some observers as a potential Derby winner.

In the 2000 Guineas on Ayrshire was started at 8/1 in a field of six but Friar’s Balsam was considered such a certainty that many bookmakers refused to accept bets on the favourite.

[13] Ayrshire, ridden by the fifty-five-year-old[14] veteran John Osborne, tracked his stable companion Johnny Morgan before moving into the lead a furlong out and winning “in a common canter” by two lengths.

Van Dieman’s Land went to the front at half way and held a clear lead turning into the straight as Barrett moved Ayrshire into contention.

He started favourite for the St Leger on 12 September against fifteen opponents, with his biggest danger appearing to be Seabreeze, who had won The Oaks.

Looking fitter than he had done at Doncaster, he produced a much better effort, leading the field of twenty-four runners until headed by Seabreeze well inside the final furlong.

"[21] Ayrshire reappeared at Newmarket three days later for his final start of the year, and won the Great Foal Plate, beating the Doncaster Cup winner Grafton.

On his four-year-old debut on 11 May Ayrshire faced a strong field, including Friar's Balsam (who started odds-on favourite) and Seabreeze in the £10,000 Royal Stakes at Kempton Park.

The two leaders pulled well clear of the remainder, with Ayrshire holding off the filly's sustained challenge to win comfortably by a length.