Regal Parade, ridden by William Carson, won the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday, triumphing in his first race over six furlongs for North Yorkshire trainer David Nicholls.

Nicholls maintained his tremendous strike rate in the race, this his fifth winner in the past nine years.

The 18-1 shot was followed home by Tajneed, Confuchias and Knot In Wood with favourite Advanced finishing well down the field in Saturday's big race.

Regal Parade kicked clear inside the final furlong and won convincingly.

The grandfather of the winning jockey, legendary rider Willie Carson, was at the course in Scotland to watch the race and said: "It's given me as much pleasure as winning the Derby.

"I'm feeling very, very light and happy. I'm lost for words."

Nicholls, who also saddled the runner-up said: "One of the owners booked William. I had never seen him before we met in the parade ring, and I told him to ride the horse with plenty of confidence and he gave him a great ride."

Advanced, who finally passed the line in 13th place, was sent off the 15-2 favourite.

Jockey Neil Callan said: "The ground was bit gluey for him but it was a pity the lead horses drifted off the rails and left a lot of daylight.

"My horse is straightforward and still struck the front inside the last two but then got stuck in the ground."