Wrong course drama at Ayr

THERE was drama in the opening Coke Zero Maiden Hurdle at Ayr yesterday with five of the 10 runners disqualified after taking the wrong course.

Market-leader Etxalar, ridden by Campbell Gillies, looked to have the prize sewn up after jumping the final obstacle but the stewards found he had taken an incorrect route after bypassing the seventh flight. The riders of Minus Three (Holly Curran), Rowdy Rampage (James O’Farrell) and Easter Vic (Harry Haynes) were also guilty of the same mistake and each of the jockeys was banned for 10 days beginning March 20.

Tom Messenger also took the wrong course aboard Mrs Burke but the stewards were slightly more lenient with him, suspending him for just three days. The Graham Lee-ridden Seraphin, who failed to get involved at any stage, was named the eventual 6-1 winner.