Connections with The Storyteller © Photo Healy Racing
The Storyteller continued an incredible day for Davy Russell and Gordon Elliott when coming with a late run to snatch victory in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
It was a third winner of the afternoon for both jockey and trainer - but it was only in the last few strides the well-backed 5-1 favourite broke the heart of the brave Splash Of Ginge.
Nigel Twiston-Davies' admirable 10-year-old was always to the fore and landed in front over the last, but The Storyteller was relentless and despite taking a wayward course, was straightened up by Russell to score by a length and three-quarters.
Elliott said: "Davy gave the horse a peach. He was my nap of the meeting last year in the Martin Pipe, but he went wrong so it's brilliant.
"The horse was great. I'm absolutely thrilled."
He went on: "Winning the Gold Cup (with Don Cossack in 2016) was something else, but just to be in the position I'm in with the owners I have and the staff I have is unbelievable - this is brilliant.
"We're lucky to have Davy riding for us - it's been a brilliant week for the Irish."
When asked about the secret of his success, the County Meath handler said: "Good horses, good owners, good staff - keep it simple."
Russell was quick to praise Elliott's role in an unforgettable day for the rider.
The jockey said: "He's the man. He's changed my career around completely. He's a pleasure to ride for.
"I'm just in such a lovely position to be riding for Gordon."
Elliott returned the compliment, saying: "I know there's a day's racing left, but I'd say that was the ride of the week.
"I thought he had a good chance but I thought he was very novicey. I'm delighted for the Sloans, who are big supporters of my yard.
"I'd say he was half green at the end. He's not a bad horse."
On saddling his sixth winner of the week, the trainer added: "It's unbelievable. I can't believe it.
"We hit the crossbar on day one and Apple's Jade (in the Mares' Hurdle) ran below par. There was a lot of pressure going into day two with Samcro (Ballymore Novices' Hurdle winner).
"This is the Olympics of racing and it's where we all want to win."
