Our Jonathan takes Ayr Gold Cup
Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing
Our Jonathan (11-1), trained by Kevin Ryan in North Yorkshire and ridden by Liverpudlian jockey Franny Norton, lifted the £120,000 William Hill Ayr Gold Cup in impressive fashion at Ayr.
Norton's mount stayed on strongly to power clear in the final 100 yards to beat the Graham Wylie-owned 6-1 favourite Eton Rifles by two lengths in Europe's richest sprint handicap.
Son Of The Cat (18-1) was third, with Colonel Mak (16-1) fourth in the 26-strong field.
Norton, enjoying his first victory in Scotland's richest flat prize, said: "That was great.
"It's very special for me to win the Ayr Gold Cup for the first time. He stayed on really strongly for me."
Ryan was savouring his second Ayr Gold Cup triumph after Advanced's victory in the six-furlong showcase in 2007.
Jim Goldie's Hawkeyethenoo, aiming for the first Scottish success since the legendary Roman Warrior in 1975, finished tenth.
