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Midnight Shadow recorded a surprise 25-1 victory in the QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.

Making his first start in handicap company in this Grade Two heat, Midnight Shadow was settled on the heels of the early leaders and was primed to challenge as A Hare Breath made his run for home with three to jump.

Danny Cook kicked to the front at the penultimate flight on the Sue Smith-trained winner, but 11-2 favourite Claimantakinforgan was just starting to roll and he pushed Midnight Shadow all the way to the line, eventually being beaten a length and a quarter.

Last year's winner Chesterfield could finish only third after a mistake in the early stages, while Charli Parcs kept on for fourth.

Smith told ITV Racing: "I'm delighted with him. He's done nothing wrong all season and he's obviously appreciated this ground today.

"He's just done nothing but progress so we're really delighted."