It was a grand day for Lucinda at Ayr

THE successful Grand National partnership of Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox were successful at Ayr when Grand Morning won the Racing UK Maiden Hurdle.

Having just his second start over hurdles following a promising debut at Hexham, the JP McManus-owned six-year-old showed reserves of stamina not dissimilar to stablemate One For Arthur when winning last year’s Grand National.

Grand Morning (4-1) stayed on stoutly in testing conditions, having looked beaten before the turn for home, to defeat Nando by a length and a half.

“It was pretty attritional going and Derek did well on him,” said Milnathortbased Lucinda.

“He’s still immature but he’s certainly got an engine. He’s not backward.

“He learned a lot at Hexham and, if he keeps progressing, we might have a nice horse on our hands.

“He does have a knee action so we’ll keep him to soft ground this year before we go over fences.”

Too Many Chiefs (4-1) appears to be developing as an Ayr specialist as he notched a third course win for Sharon Watt in the Jump To It And Join Racing UK Handicap Hurdle.

Donald McCain’s good run continued when Hills Of Dubai defied a nine-month absence in the Biggest Jumps Season On Racing UK Chase.

Despite his time off, he was still sent off the 3-1 favourite and the result was never in doubt as, partnered by Brian Hughes, he made all the running.

Baby Ticker (6-1) scored for the Callum and Donald Whillans team, while there was also a win for Kenny Johnson’s 13-year-old Rosquero (9-1) in the totepool Betting At totesport.com Handicap Chase.

PETER Scudamore, who assists Lucinda Russell, issued an upbeat bulletin on One For Arthur. Injury has prevented last year’s Grand National winner from participating in this year’s renewal.

“He’s coming on but it will be next season before he sees racecourse action again,” said Peter.

“We’re bringing him on carefully and look forward to his next appearance on a racecourse.”

TODAY’S National Hunt meeting at Ayr has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

While racing went ahead yesterday, a precautionary inspection had already been called for this morning with conditions heavy and further rain expected.

Clerk of the course Graeme Anderson tweeted: “Racing abandoned as 10mm rain overnight 15mm total last 24hrs. Further 5mm to 8mm forecast.”