Jamie Spencer was partnering Advanced for the first time

The four-year-old, who was third last year, claimed victory by a neck from Irish raider Benwilt Breeze.

But Spencer, who is battling with Seb Sanders for the jockeys' championship, picked up a two-day suspension for careless riding.

The 27-year-old will now be out of action on 3 and 4 October.

That suspension takes his tally for such offences to 24 days over the last 12 months and another ban in the coming weeks would see him referred to the British Horseracing Authority to face a possible 14-day ban.

In the race the 28 runners split into two groups in the main and it looked as if Benwilt Breeze was going to land the prize when he went ahead on the far side approaching the final furlong.

But he then hung right and gave Advanced, who led the stands sides group, a lifeline and he stayed on gamely to take the lead in the final strides

Patavellian was a length and three-quarters away in third with Beaver Patrol taking fourth.

Ryan said: "Advanced has proved what a good horse he is today and I just feel sorry for his usual jockey Neil Callan as he is suspended.

"He was unlucky last year when he finished third, Neil went to the far side and I thought he would have come this.

"The plan this year has always been to come here - it is a race I have always wanted to win.

"We were lucky to get Jamie and he has a great record for me - you don't need to give a champion jockey any instruction!"

Benwilt Breeze's rider Eddie Ahern was also suspended for the same two days as Spencer for using his whip with excessive frequency.

Ayr Gold Cup
1. Advanced (J P Spencer) 20-1
2. Benwilt Breeze (E Ahern) 22-1
3. Patavellian (S Drowne) 100-1
4. Beaver Patrol (K Darley) 20-1
28 ran. Dist: nk, 1�