Shaweel shines at Ayr

Shaweel took the opening honours as Ayr swung back into action following a late abandonment last week.

A patch of false ground caused racing to be cancelled last Wednesday but with that area dolled off, there were no problems for the six-furlong EBF Maiden Stakes.

The Mark Johnston-trained Shaweel was sent off the 1-2 favourite and he bounced out of the stalls for Greg Fairley, making all the running before pulling six lengths clear of Verinco at the line.

Fairley rode the last winner at Great Leighs on Wednesday afternoon but shrugged off the lengthy travelling after his win.

“We had got it from the start and he has done it really well for me,” he said.

“It took me five hours to get to Great Leighs yesterday, but it was well worth it and I got back home in about three and a half hours!”