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.