Favourite not quite fast enough to cost bookies a huge payout

Richard Fahey was far from upset that Growl narrowly failed to emulate stablemate Don't Touch last year by justifying huge support in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup.

He was backed into 4-1 favourite at the off and the race sponsor reported that his failure to reel in Brando saved them an estimated £500,000.

Growl was beaten a length and a quarter under Graham Lee and his trainer said: "I was delighted. I thought he was a crazy price but I was wrong. He's run well, there are no excuses. The winner went too fast.