Ayr Racecourse and Kempton Park for Monday’s Horse Racing

Ayr Racecourse will be the scene of one of the stand-out events, where NAB WOOD seems to be the favourite for the win in Handicap Hurdle (2.52). Meanwhile, at Kempton Race Track, ALSHIMALI has the potential to secure his first win, making the day’s racing one to watch. Monday’s horse races will promise to make an exciting day of action, with four meetings taking place across the United Kingdom.

The Ayr Racecourse hosts the Handicap Hurdle (2.52), covering a distance of 2 miles and 4.5 furlongs. In this race, Nab Wood has all the qualities of a horse ready to deliver. Trained by Nicky Richards, the eight-year-old gelding has shown promise with his performances in previous runs.

Nab Wood made his hurdling debut in May 2023, and since then, he has steadily improved. He opened his account with a 12-length victory in a novice hurdle at Kelso in January 2024 over an extended 2m 6f. His impressive performance continued when he secured a handicap win at Ayr Racecourse just a month later by three and a quarter lengths, confirming his ability over this type of distance.

After a break, Nab Wood returned to action at Ayr Racecourse in December 2024, finishing fifth behind Idem in a competitive field. Despite this defeat, the performance was enough to suggest that he was regaining form after the absence, staying on strongly in the latter stages. With that run behind him, the horse is primed to challenge for a third career win.

The added fitness from the December outing should prove valuable in what looks like a winnable race for Nab Wood. Jockey Sean Quinlan will be hoping that the gelding can convert his recent form into a winning effort. Given his consistent ability over hurdles and his solid record at Ayr Racecourse , Nab Wood is a top contender in this race.

At Kempton Race Track, attention turns to the Free Bet With Unibet’s Betbuilder Rebound Handicap (Div 2) (4.45), a six-furlong sprint where ALSHIMALI looks poised to finally claim his first victory. The four-year-old, trained by Tony Carroll, has shown promise but is still seeking that breakthrough success.

Alshimali most recently finished second at Southwell 37 days ago, just failing to catch Havana Sky by a head in a competitive race. This near-miss performance has added to the growing confidence surrounding the horse’s ability. With only a 1lb weight increase for this race, Alshimali looks set to go one better. His second-place finish at Southwell was his third runner-up result, so it’s clear that he is consistent and capable of finding the winner’s circle.

The slight weight rise should not hinder his chances, and with Carroll’s in-form stable behind him, there’s every reason to believe that Alshimali could secure his first win here. The gelding has shown he can compete well at this level, and this race could be the perfect opportunity for him to break his maiden.

But besides all the top races at Ayr Racecourse and Kempton Race Track, there are several other juicy events that run throughout the day. The key elements of these races range from established competitors to the young start with a little something for punters to discover.

While Nab Wood and Alshimali are the top picks, the other runners in their respective races won’t make it easy for them. Ayr Racecourse’s challenging terrain often leads to unpredictable outcomes, while Kempton Race Track’s all-weather surface can produce surprising results, making both races uncertain.

United Kingdom horse racing enthusiasts will also want to keep an eye on the going conditions. Ayr Racecourse’s winter ground can be tested, which may affect some horses’ performances, particularly those returning from layoffs. Meanwhile, Kempton Race Track’s all-weather track is typically more consistent, but horses that adapt well to the surface will have an edge.

Monday’s United Kingdom horse racing presents two exciting racing highlights, the Handicap Hurdle at Ayr and the Free Bet With Unibet’s Betbuilder Rebound Handicap (Div 2) at Kempton Race Track. Nab Wood has the experience and form to make him a strong contender at Ayr Racecourse, while Alshimali seems well-positioned to secure his first win after several near-misses.Both horses are trained by capable handlers and have proven their ability at the required level. With competitive fields in both races, the day is set to be filled with action. Be sure to tune in for a great afternoon of United Kingdom horse racing.