Speedy gelding lands Ayr gamble

Nahaarr made his army of supporters sweat in a dramatic renewal of the QTS Ayr Gold Cup.

William Haggas’ sprinter was the subject of a massive gamble, going off a red-hot 7/2 favourite for Scotland’s biggest Flat race.

However, victory appeared unlikely for much of the six furlong trip as the gelding dwelt at the start and he still had plenty to do two out.

However, he was galvanized by in-form rider Tom Marquand and the duo came late and fast to deny (22/1) by a half-length in a driving finish. (10/1) took third

(20/1) was a superb fourth for Carluke handler Keith Dalgleish.

Haggas said: “He missed the break today, which I think was a deliberate tactic as Tom felt he raced a bit freely at Goodwood last time and he didn’t want that to happen again.

“I think he would have been an unlucky loser if he hadn’t won. I’m not sure what we’ll do with him now. I’m just pleased things have gone well for him.”

Marquand and Haggas also lifted the Listed Doonside Cup thanks to (11/10 Fav).

The dual-Group 1 winner wasn’t at his best on his first run since June but he stayed on strongly to hold the fast-finishing

(13/2) by a length. Haggas added: “I’m chuffed to bits with him. He came good at the end of the e race. He’s such h a genuine, kind d horse. He’d prefer r softer ground, but t he dug in and I’m thrilled. I thought it was a smart performance as the penalty he had to carry was big. “Hopefully he comes out of it well and we’ ll head to the Champion Stakes.”

(18/1) defied a tricky draw for Kevin Ryan in the Ayr Silver Cup. The speedster showed his rivals no mercy from the front under Kevin Stott, bolting up by three lengths from chief victim (7/2).