Corniche delight in Ebor

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

Tactician tried to make most for Michael Bell and Joseph O'Brien, but the challengers were queuing up three furlongs out as the field came down the centre of the track.

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.

Dale Swift

Swift said: "He did it well and travelled so nicely. I didn't want to get there too soon and he stuck his neck out really well.

"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.

Both Fancied

Ellison went on: "They had been working together and I really fancied both of them."

Further Yorkshire flavour was added to the win as Swift, 25, hails from nearby Rotherham.

He said: "It's great for me being a Yorkshire lad, there's nothing better for me than to win this race.

"I always liked good handicaps as a young lad. It was at the back of my mind to try to win a race like this one day and now I've done it.

"To ride in a race like this is really important and to win it is something special.

"It's amazing and it might take a week to sink in.

"The boss (Ellison) and the owner (Dan Gilbert) told me to drop him out and be patient and not get there too soon."

Bell said of the Queen's Tactician: "He ran a very good race. We had Joseph claiming 3lb and he nearly pulled it off.

"It was a very good run, especially for a four-year-old against that lot."