Ayr Saturday

LAST Saturday’s Ayr Gold Cup went to old favourite Summerghand (David O’Meara/Danny Tudhope) getting revenge for his luckless run in the Stewards’ Cup by beating Goodwood hero Commanche Falls by a neck in the feature handicap.

The eight-year-old was bringing his career tally to 15 wins from 71 starts having also scored at York last month. He clearly retains all his ability and has been a tremendous servant to O’Meara and owner Hamad Bin Ghedayer

Earlier on the card Richard Fahey produced his third winner of the Group 3 Firth of Clyde Stakes when 20/1 outsider Barefoot Angel (Paul Mulrennan) belied her relative inexperience to score a neck victory in the six-furlong contest, beating George Boughey’s Believing (Jim Crowley), with favourite Queen Me (Kevin Ryan/Tom Eaves) beaten a length into third having held every chance.

Barefoot Angel had landed a modest novice at Carlisle on her second start, and was taking a huge step up in class, but her trainer believed that she was worthy of her place in a blacktype contest, and that belief was justified, with the win especially sweet as owners Norman and Helen Steel have been among the biggest supporters of Fahey’s Musley Bank Stables in Malton.

“We do like her,” said Fahey when greeting his winning filly. “The plan after she won at Carlisle was to come here. Everybody thought we were stupid judged by the price, but it’s worked out.

“We didn’t put her in the Cheveley Park or anything like that and I’d say that could be her for the year.

“She’s quite a nice filly and I’d say she’ll stay a bit further. I’d just like her to grow a little bit, she’s not very big but I hope she’ll grow.”

Doonside Cup

The Listed Doonside Cup proved a one-sided affair, with 9/4 second favourite Royal Champion (Roger Varian/Jack Mitchell) taking advantage of a poor run from favourite Phantom Flight to dominate his rivals, kicking clear early in the straight and cruising to a five and a half-length success over Euchen Glen (Jim Goldie/Paul Mulrennan), who in turn was a length and a half ahead of Stormy Antarctic (Ed Walker/George Downing).

Royal Champion was kicking off a treble for trainer and jockey at the meeting, with Dusky Lord landing an impressive win in the Silver Cup, and Mitchell again donning the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum colours when taking the finale on Aimeric.