'I thought we were beaten' - nothing to split joint-favourites in dead-heat

Tuesday: Ayr

The market proved a shrewd judge of the 2m4½f handicap hurdle after joint-favourites Foster'sisland and Glentruan battled to a dead-heat.

Both sent off at 7-2, the Ann Duffield-trained Glentruan fought back over the last against Foster'sisland, who took up the running on the turn for home under Emma Smith-Chaston.

Connections endured a lengthy wait in the paddock after the race before the dead-heat was announced, with the shared spoils completing a hat-trick for the progressive Foster'sisland.

"I thought crossing the line we were beaten," Foster'sisland's trainer Micky Hammond said. "Then, watching the rerun I thought it was a dead-heat or that we'd won it, so it was very mixed emotions.

"I watched the race in the tack room with the staff at the yard. It made great viewing and we're delighted with the horse. He really wanted it and all credit to the horse and Emma, they both battled to the line.

"It's my last runner before Christmas, so we'll catch up with the work at home as there's always plenty to do, then enjoy Christmas and get back out for Boxing Day."

Foster'sisland (near) and Glentruan battle over the last en route to a dead-heatCredit: Andrew Parker/Grossick Photography

Treble triumph for Alexander

Nick Alexander enjoyed a busy yet fruitful day as he fielded seven runners and returned home with a 131-1 treble and a runner-up.

Half Track landed the first success of the day under Sean Quinlan in the 2m5½f novice hurdle before Manetti claimed the feature three-mile handicap chase under Bruce Lynn.

Between the two winners Cancan finished second in the two-mile conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle.

Alexander rounded off the afternoon with success in the closing race, the 2m4½f handicap chase, with Dubai Days striking under Conor O'Farrell to deny Quinlan a double on the Nicky Richards-trained Royal Arcade.

Results, replays and analysis

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