Soft Risk maintains perfect start with hurdling debut victory

Tuesday: Ayr

Soft Risk maintained his perfect start when justifying odds-on favouritism in the 2m novice hurdle for trainer Nicky Richards.

The five-year-old, who won a bumper at the track in May, finished five lengths clear of 22-1 shot Well Planted under Brian Hughes, who is well clear at the head of the jockeys' championship.

"He won his bumper nicely here," said Richards. "He's had a good school around and jumped pretty well on the whole today. He'll hopefully improve a lot and he's a lovely horse for the future."

Richards also claimed third in the 2m bumper with £45,000 buy Paddock Cottage, who finished well on his debut under Sean Quinlan for David Wesley Yates, owner of Grade 1 winner Monet's Garden.

Worthwhile trip

Shanroe Al C made the trip from Ireland worthwhile when landing the feature 3m handicap chase for Karl Thornton and Daryl Jacob.

The eight-year-old, who was last seen finishing third at Fairyhouse, won by a length and three-quarters from Dragon Fruit after She'sasupermack fell when mounting a challenge at the second-last.

Jacob secured his double in the following race when Carnfunnock landed the bumper by five and a half lengths for Stuart Crawford.

He started 11-8 favourite after finishing third on his debut at Punchestown and was one of three Irish-trained winners on the day alongside Shanroe Al C and Ask Blossomfort for Brian Cawley.

Results, replays and analysis

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