Vasco D'Ycy defies monster absence to strike

>>Those who thought Vasco D'Ycy's long absence would count against him in the heat of battle were out of luck, as the nine-year-old made a successful return in the 2m4½f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle (2.20) at Ayr.

Not sighted since July 7, 2015 – 588 days ago – Vasco D'Ycy travelled nicely into contention but was duelling with Glenma, and hit a high of 32 in-running on Betfair.

However he got away from the runner-up, who reached a low of 2 on Betfair, before the last, for an ultimately comfortable six-length win.