Tudhope wins second Ayr Gold Cup on Pellitory

Pellitory won the Ayr Gold Cup for trainer David O'Meara after a lengthy delay following heavy rain overnight and on Saturday morning.

There were two inspections of the course, with races pushed back but ultimately cleared to go ahead.

Jockey Danny Tudhope, who became the first Scottish winner of this race in 50 years when he rode Summerghand to victory in 2022, took the glory again as he fended off Tuco Salamanca who finished in second, with joint-favourites Binhareer and Far Above Dream not placing.

Pellitory - owned by Evan Sutherland - is better known over seven furlongs, but that served him well over heavy ground, securing a first win over the shorter distance.

"He's never really been brought back to six furlongs, it was a bold move," Tudhope said.

"To win this race once was unbelievable, to win it twice is amazing. I couldn't be happier."

O'Meara added: "We felt he would [love these conditions]. He stays seven [furlongs] and has run over a mile - that's a huge thing today.

"Today was all about Evan and his horse, I'm delighted for him."