Brando the star of Ayr Gold Cup Brando gave Kevin Ryan his fourth victory in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup when he went clear close home to land the six-furlong showpiece at the Western meeting. The joint-top weight asserted in the final furlong under a strong drive from Tom Eaves to add his name to Ryan's winning list of Advanced (2007), Our Jonathan (2011) and Captain Ramius (2012). The well-fancied Nameitwhatyoulike helped set the pace on the favoured far side, with Hoof It and Sir Robert Cheval showing plenty of speed. A furlong from home it was clear Nameitwhatyoulike could not keep up the gallop as Brando (11-1) stormed to the front to collect this prestigious prize by a length and a quarter from the 4-1 favourite Growl. Hoof It (16-1) was another three-quarters of a length away in third, with G Force (10-1) fourth. Ryan said: "It's very special for the owners. "They've been coming here for years and are great friends of mine. Angie (Bailey, owner) has always wanted to win this race. "Angie said to draw stall eight if his name comes out early enough. She picked the stall. "I always like to go middle to far side and all horses came out early enough for me to do that, so it's worked out." Eaves said: "He was the class horse in the race, but he needed a bit of luck. "It all worked out lovely and it's great to ride the Ayr Gold Cup winner. "It's the big handicap we want to win up here."
