Toughness of sprint division makes Ryan four-timer all the more remarkable

Within the context of heritage sprint handicaps, Kevin Ryan’s feat in winning the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday was part of a broader platform of achievement. Brando’s triumph marked the fourth time Ryan has plundered the historic race in the last decade.

That is going some. It's not quite on a par with David Nicholls’ six wins in 11 years. Nor does it yet threaten the record established by Tom Dawson, who saddled a staggering 15 winners between 1835 and 1869.

Dawson actually won 11 of the 12 Ayr Gold Cups from the year of his inaugural triumph. Since his mastery was absolute, it’s appropriate that Ryan exerts his contemporary grip on the race from his stable in North Yorkshire, from where Dawson trained nearly two centuries earlier.