Richard Fahey vindicated as Barefoot Angel springs 20-1 Firth of Clyde shock

Saturday: Ayr

They may have thought he was stupid to run her but Richard Fahey had the last laugh as Barefoot Angel came from well off the pace to land the Virgin Bet Firth of Clyde Stakes.

The 20-1 shot passed a host of rivals in the final two furlongs to score by a neck under Paul Mulrennan and earn a 66-1 quote for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas from Paddy Power.

Fahey said: "We thought she'd run well, we do like her. The plan after she won at Carlisle was to come here. Everybody thought we were stupid judged by the price but it's worked out.

"We didn't put her in the Cheveley Park or anything like that and I'd say that could be her for the year.

"She's quite a nice filly and I'd say she'll stay a bit further. I'd just like her to grow a little bit, she's not very big but I hope she'll grow."

Mulrennan added: "She was the first off the bridle but she really finished well. She's learning on the job and I knew two down I had a squeak. She pricked her ears when she hit the front so there should be more to come."

It was the jockey's fourth winner in four rides for owner Helen Steel, whose husband Norman said: "We call him the 100 per cent kid!"

Dusky's Silver rout

Six days after Eldar Eldarov ground out a gutsy St Leger triumph, two stablemates showed there is speed in Roger Varian's yard as well by running away with notable prizes.

Dusky Lord, fitted with cheekpieces for just the second time, scored by three lengths in the Virgin Bet Silver Cup, an ultra-competitive handicap normally decided by a head or two.

"I'm really pleased for this horse because he's such a gentleman, he's a pleasure to deal with, on and off the track," said winning jockey Jack Mitchell.

"He's always had a slight excuse for what's gone on. At Goodwood the last time I rode him he got a bit boxed in and the ground was quick enough for him.

"The cheekpieces today and a bit more juice in the ground helped him out a bit. It's the best he's travelled with me. He felt like a completely different horse today, I hope he's on an upward curve."

Dusky Lord goes clear in the Silver CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Mitchell was also on Royal Champion, who finally showed what he can do with a fine burst of speed to land the Listed Doonside Cup by five and a half lengths.

"He's finally shown what he's been showing us at home," Mitchell said. "He's always been a very good work horse. If Andrea Atzeni can't ride him in his work I normally ride him and he's always given me a really nice feel.

"Things haven't gone his way but today was perfect. It's dried out but there's enough juice in the ground. You need to keep him happy in his own space. I thought if I kick when I did I'd get away from the other horses and he'd run for me."

Euchen Glen finished second, seven years to the day since occupying the same spot as a 66-1 debutant in a maiden at this meeting.

Royal Champion runs away with the Doonside CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Great Scott

Katie Scott's best season got even better as she sent out her first winner on Scottish Flat racing's biggest day as Jason Hart got Gweedore home a neck in front in the mile handicap.

It was the 15th victory of 2022 for a Borders trainer whose previous highest tally was nine and she said: “I think it’s our first ever runner on Ayr Gold Cup day. It’s just fantastic."

It was the 12-1 shot's fifth course win from ten attempts and Scott said: "We thought he was really well but he had a tricky draw. Jason gave him a great ride, he got him in the perfect position and it all went to plan."

Gweedore (hooped cap): Scored his fifth success at AyrCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Replays, results and analysis

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