Morgan strikes for Walton

Morgan Be won like a long odds-on shot should when he trotted up in the opening race at Ayr.

Kate Walton’s promising gelding was sent off at 1-4 for the EBF Poster Plus “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) on the strength of some good recent efforts and he landed the money in style.

Tony Dobbin tracked the leaders on Morgan Be before allowing him to stride on three out and he came home to score eased down by eight lengths from Kempski.

“He’s a nice horse in the making and what he does over hurdles is a bonus,” said Mrs Walton. “He needs soft ground but that two and a half miles on heavy was a fair test.

“He has schooled over fences and he’ll make a fair staying chaser.”