Local lad Danny Tudhope became the first Scottish-born jockey for 50 years to triumph in Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup after snatching victory on Summerghand.
Tudhope, who grew up at Irvine in Ayrshire, was matching the1972 achievements of Richard Hutchinson, successful on Swinging Junior for Nigel Angus who trained on Ayr racecourse.
“He’s an absolute star,” said a delighted Tudhope, “but I had a feeling he’d run a big race.
“He needs a bit of luck in running but that’s the way he likes to be ridden. Once you get it right, he’ll deliver the goods.”
Victory looked in the bag for the Stewards’ Cup hero Commanche Falls before he was mugged on the line.
Commanche Falls had also come off second best behind Summerghand when they fought out the finish at York last month.
Juan Les Pins took third, with the 9-2 favourite Khanjar out with the washing, finishing 20th of the 24 runners.
Summerghand was receiving a much-deserved victory after his 11th in 2018, fourth in 2019 and eighth last year.
Victory was a second success in this helter-skelter sprint for trainer David O’Meara following Louis The Pious in 2014.
“He’s been with me a long time and he’s an old legend,” said O’Meara.
“He’s run here a good few times and hit the woodwork a fair bit.
“Liam Heard rides him out every day but I don’t really gallop him.
“Like a lot of these good sprinters, they don’t need a lot of work.
“He runs quite frequently and sort of looks after himself.
“He loves the game, and it was a great ride by Danny.”
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