A ROW has broken out between two of Scotland's major racecourses after the defection of one of the biggest charity events in the racing calendar.

The Saints and Sinners event, which has been a fixture at Hamilton Park racecourse for the last 42 years, will be held at Ayr from next year.

Charity bosses informed the course management by letter, claiming the move was being made for commercial reasons because Ayr was a larger venue.

But Hamilton Park's Alistair Warwick said he was "surprised and disappointed" the partnership had ended.

Mr Warwick said: "It's a huge pity that after 42 years the Saints and Sinners Charity has opted to change a winning formula.

"The town of Hamilton and the people of Lanarkshire made this event and without them it's just a name.

"I feel Scottish horseracing has lost out on a great tradition due to the power of the pound."

Philip Martin, the newly-appointed racing convener of Saints and Sinners, said: "The committee's decision was entirely based around maximising resources for the charities.

"Ayr provided a compelling proposition to grow the event."

Alan Macdonald, chairman of Ayr Racecourse, said: "We are delighted to welcome Saints and Sinners to Ayr.

"We look forward to working with Saints and Sinners to develop and grow the fixture."

The meeting will be held next year on Friday, June 20.

The course can hold up to 20,000 spectators and it is expected the event will generate a large crowd.

The Saints and Sinners charity has raised money for hundreds of good causes over the years.

Recent charities to benefit include the Glasgow Council on Alcohol, Scottish Adoption Association and Rape Crisis Centre.

Jason Donovan and Danii Minogue have delighted the crowds at the Hamilton Park event in recent years.