Steady road to victory for Moyenne Corniche

Malton-based Ellison was also responsible for the well-fancied Saptapadi, but it was his 25-1 stablemate which lifted the big handicap on the Knavesmire.

Tactician tried to make the most for Michael Bell and Joseph O’Brien, Mount Athos threatened but flattered to deceive, with Investissement looking the likely winner at one stage and Modun among others to put down a challenge.

Tactician stuck to his guns in admirable fashion to battle back, but 3lb claimer Dale Swift timed it to perfection on Moyenne Corniche to flash home and score by a length from the gallant Bell runner.

Investissement was a further half-length away in third, with Modun fourth. Swift said: “He did it well and travelled so nicely. We didn’t go a great gallop, but he wasn’t too keen and we got the gaps when we needed them. You just have to take your time with him and he needs that little bit of dig in the ground.”

Ellison added: “The plan was to hit the front late, I knew he would love the ground and I said to Dale he wouldn’t be out of the first four. I think the other horse (Saptapadi) might have won if we had dropped him out, he was too keen.”

At Perth, Overturn produced an outstanding weight-carrying performance to lift the inaugural Scottish Hydro Summer Champion Hurdle.

The £40,000 prize on offer had attracted a high-quality field to Scone Palace Park, and Donald McCain’s gelding carried 11st 10lb under the handicap conditions.

Overturn, who has won a Chester Cup and a Northumberland Plate on the Flat and is just as smart over obstacles with a Galway Hurdle under his belt, was most recently in action in the Goodwood Cup.

Jason Maguire helped the 4-1 shot assume his usual position out in front, eventually finishing five lengths clear of 3-1 favourite General Miller.