The first three in the betting filled the gold, silver and bronze medal positions in the opening split of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap, as second favourite Empresario gained the day under Conor McGovern.

Empresario had plenty of supporters in the betting, and he ended up a 4/1 chance having traded at around double that when markets opened on the extended ten furlong affair, last night and this morning.

The smart jumper gained his third Flat win here, making all for and battling them all off by half a length and the same from Artiste Celebre (100/30 into 11/4 favourite) and Ridestan

They left Gun Shoot all of seven lengths back in fourth.

Winning trainer Matthew Smith was on lead-up duties.

(GC & EM)