Nicholls seals Gold Cup hat-trick

Funfair Wane (left) beat The Tatling by a neck

Trainer David Nicholls celebrated victory in the Tote Ayr Gold Cup for the third year in a row when Funfair Wane took the valuable sprint handicap in a close finish.

The 16-1 hot, owned by the wife of former England manager Kevin Keegan, beat The Tatling (33-1) by a neck, with Abbajabba (33-1) third and Attache (14-1) fourth.

I thought he got a little hot early on but, fair does to the horse, he's done it really well.

Jockey Adrian Nicholls

Nicholls, who saddled four horses in the 28-runner field, said: "He's a lovely horse. He's had one or two problems, but we've been really pleased with him.

"Mick Channon trained him and recommended he came to us.

"Kevin's one of his best friends. They went through the World Cup and everything together. I'm delighted for everybody."

Funfair Wane was always up with the pace as Forever Times took an early lead from Pic Up Sticks in the six-furlong sprint.

The Tatling staged a strong challenge in the final furlong, but Adrian Nicholls steered Funfair Wane home to land the £65,000 first prize for his father.

Nicholls, who won the race on Bahamian Pirate two years ago, said: "I thought he got a little hot early on but, fair does to the horse, he's done it really well."