Jockey Phil Dennis is hoping to earn more rides after his amazing four-timer at Newcastle

His 2,948-1 four-timer was also reward for his dedication to smaller trainers in the North in the hope they can provide him with more winning opportunities.

It paid off. First Clifftop Heaven prevailed at Newcastle for Malton trainer Mark Walford before Dennis powered home Jim Goldie’s Lord Of The Glen.

He then won on Top Attraction for Middleham trainer Chris Fairhurst before Star Cracker, for Scottish-based Goldie, made it four on the night.

It took the Malton-based jockey’s tally of winners to 26 for the season – it is the lesser names who have struggled as a result of the Covid-19 sporting shutdown and then riders being restricted to one meeting a day.

Yet, while he’s understanding of the situation, he’s resolved to work even harder to make the most of the opportunities when they come his way.

As he told The Yorkshire Post, he’s usually one of the jockeys congratulating big name riders like Oisin Murphy, Silvestre de Sousa, Jim Crowley or Paul Hanagan when they’ve dominated meetings.

“I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. It’s a hard game. It’s hard enough to get one (winner) at the best of times, never mind four at a single meeting,” he said.

“I ride out for a lot of the smaller yards and hopefully this shows to them, and others, that I can do the job when I’m given the chance. You just need a bit of luck.”

The jockey’s only defeat came on his very first ride – Optima Petimus – who was only fifth. “He’s been the challenge of my life for two years. He’s a bit of a monkey,” said Dennis.

He said he had hopes for Clifftop Heaven and knew Lord Of The Glen had good course form. “I was just hoping one of the next two would win,” said Dennis who had never previously recorded a treble.

“When Top Attraction won, it was amazing. And to win four was pretty surreal – the number of people who have messaged me is crazy. All the lads in the weighing room were saying ‘well done’ – it was great to be the one they were congratulating.”

Now Dennis, who won the big sprint at Epsom on Derby day last year on the David Griffiths-trained Ornate, has a couple of days to reflect on his feat – he now has no rides booked until Friday at the earliest.

But he says the four-timer gives him even more encouragement to improve his rides-to-winners strike rate which currently stands at eight per cent. “Hopefully a few people saw the wins and they make a little but of difference,” he added.

Meanwhile, 2019 Dante hero Telecaster has been taken out of Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after a late setback. His absence is a huge blow to connections, given the son of New Approach seemed assured to have his favoured soft conditions.

Trained by Hughie Morrison, Telecaster won the Dante last year but he arguably put up a career-best display last time out when winning the Grand Prix de Deauville by six and a half lengths. It was his second win in France this year, following a Group Three success at ParisLongchamp in June.

Mark Weinfeld, of owners Castle Down Stud, said: “It’s a real shame, but this is what can happen with horses – he’s just wasn’t 100 per cent sound. We’re absolutely gutted. It’s nothing too serious, but it’s just sod’s law.

“He’s in the Champion Stakes at Ascot – and as I haven’t heard what the vet has said, I’m not sure if he’ll make that or not.”