Cecil makes it three for Russell & Elliott

After winning earlier with William B and Station Closed Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell completed a treble at Downpatrick as Cecil Corbett just prevailed in the Style Sunday Spectacular Handicap Chase.

Successful twice last year, the ten-year-old son of Bollin Eric ran well to finish third at Listowel earlier this month, and was sent off the 11/4 favourite this afternoon.

Settled behind the leaders he was fourth with a circuit to race. He travelled well in third after four out, and was ridden to the front on the run-in, battling gamely to see off Garrai Phaidin by a neck.

The runner-up was returned at 3/1 (from 4s) under Paddy Kennedy for Shane Ryder, while Riviera Sun (5/1) was three and a half lengths back in third with Mark Walsh in the saddle for Henry De Bromhead.

Elliott's assistant trainer Ian Amond said afterwards: "It's a good day's work. Myself and Davy were a bit worried about the trip. Gordon was saying to just leave him as late as he could and that's what he did. He said to wait until the last and he waited until after the last. It worked out grand.

"When you are riding like that you can't beat him! It was a peach of a ride. I was down at the last and he was parked up waiting.

"He'll tip away during the summer and we'll see what happens."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham