AYR proved a profitable venue for both Gordon Elliott and Neil McKnight on Monday.

The Elliott-Richard Johnson partnership struck with 13/8 favourite Whizzzey Rascal in the mares’ handicap hurdle but Co Down handler McKnight’s Master Ruffit was a 16/1 chance in the novices’ handicap chase. Brian Hughes made plenty of use of him in the heavy ground and he proved too strong for Freddies Portrait.

Master Ruffit clearly likes Ayr because he also won over hurdles here last term.