Horse racing
A mere 10 miles (or 80 furlongs) from Baltersan Castle is Scotland's premier racetrack in Ayr. It is home to the Scottish Grand National run in April and the prestigious Ayr Gold Cup run in September. Both attract large crowds from around the UK and Ireland.
Ayr racecourse is in the process of a considerable investment programme to add to its established attractions. As a National Hunt and Flat racing course, Ayr will be offering 28 days of racing in 2008. Full information is available at: http://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk/
Lanark Silver Bell
This famous racing trophy (pictured above) dates back to the end of the 16th century according to the hallmarks on it. Silver bells being awarded as racing prizes have a long tradition, although very few have survived to the present day. Racing at Lanark which is midway between Ayr and Edinburgh, is believed to have been started by King William the Lion around the middle of the 12th century.
The Lanark bell is 4 inches (10 cms) high excluding the handle and at its circular mouth it is 4 inches in diameter. Although it is believed to have been first competed for in 1610, the oldest winner's tag is the one shown in the picture above, dated 1628. The next date is 1852. The last ever running of the Lanark Silver Bell was in 1977 and the course is now closed with very little evidence of its existence left.
For an academic account on the subject, see: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_025/25_174_188.pdf