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Our Jonathan gave his owner Dr Marwan Koukash back-to-back victories in the William Hill Gold Cup at Ayr in Scotland on Saturday.

Trained in North Yorkshire by Kevin Ryan, the four-year-old had long promised to deliver in a big race and when his veteran rider Franny Norton elected to go to the far side from his middle draw it paved the way for his victory in the renowned six furlong sprint.

He hit top gear in the last furlong to race away for a two lengths victory over heavily-backed favourite Eton Rifles, who led home the runners on the stands rail.

Son Of The Cat, who also raced on the far side, was one and a half lengths back in third, with Colonel Mak fourth home from the near side.

Ryan said: "He has been threatening all season, but he has been gradually coming to hand all the time and he has really been sparkling in the last 10 days.

"When the ground came as testing as it is, I was pleased because he has form over seven furlongs and for a race like this you need a staying sprinter.

“We really had him in good order and I wasn't really concerned about the draw."

Koukash, who won the Gold Cup last year with Redford, said: "It is great to win the race again. He is a very good horse, he had good form as a two-year-old - he lost his way a bit last season, but he is now back to his best.

“There is a seven-furlong race at Ascot which is a possibility, Redford won it after this race last year, and then there is a Listed race at Doncaster on the last day of the season.

"Franny rode the horse very well. He has missed out on this race on a couple of occasions so it is great to give him a big winner."