Crossford trainer Willie Young Jnr celebrates eighth win for Ardera Cross

The Overton Farm-trained 6/1 shot triumphed by one and a half lengths in the Ayrshire Cancer Support Handicap Chase over two miles 110 yards.

It was Ardera Cross's eighth victory since joining Willie’s yard from Warwickshire’s Dan Skelton for only £1,000 at an auction in Doncaster in May 2019.

Monday’s win took his prize money for his current trainer to £73,000, making him a sound investment.

Willie said: “He’s certainly paid his way.

“He’s won over hurdles and fences, but he’s certainly better over fences nowadays.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the horse. He is a wee gem. I don’t know why he was as cheap, but that’s why I bought him and also because he has a bit of ability.

Prior to buying Ardera Cross, Willie had initially spotted him running at a seller race at Hexham.

“That race was particularly high quality for a seller,” Willie said. “You had the chance of claiming them – even if they don’t win – for about six grand.

“That was out my price range for my hobby, but then he went to auction about three weeks later and I got him for £1,000.

“He’s just a wee, hardy horse, quite versatile at hurdles and chasing over two miles, two-and-a-half miles, soft ground, good ground. He’s an all-rounder.”

Ardera Cross’s next race is the Northern Lights Series final at Carlisle on March 28.