Soul Angel takes Ayr victory

Soul Angel gained a dramatic success in the scotbetcasino.com Handicap Hurdle at Ayr today.

Trainer Sandy Forster's hopes of ending a frustrating run did not look at all bright at the final flight.

Seeking Straight, who had made most of the running, looked as if he would hold on as he jumped the last in front.

He was strongly challenged by runner-up Polobury and Soul Angel however, who seized the day by a head under Paddy Aspell.

Forster, who was sending out her first winner for 202 days, said of the 4-1 joint-favourite: "Soul Angel is very lazy but he kept on really well for Paddy and he got there just in time.

"All credit to Jo Thomson who looks after him at home - she does a great job."

Promising conditional jockey Ryan Mania had his claim cut to 5lb when Quicuyo came out best in the scotbetpoker.com Beginners' Chase.

Mohayer's final-fence fall paved the way clear for the 11-8 favourite to beat Justtheoneforyou by 10 lengths.

Trainer Pete Monteith, who moved on to the 13-winner mark for the season, said: "Ryan is riding very well and he is a very good communicator too - that is very important as far as owners are concerned.

"Mohayer looked a danger but, to be fair, Quicuyo was doing nothing in front and Ryan had not asked him for anything."