Welcome tonic for Smiths at Wetherby

Though the two-mile-three-furlong trip was less than ideal, the horse appeared to have the better of Elenika when the latter, out of action for 574 days, came crashing down at the last fence.

Winning jockey Danny Cook had to be at his strongest to keep the seven-year-old top weight in contention as Elenika built a commanding lead entering the home straight before the dramatic finish.

It is likely De Vous A Moi will step up in trip to three miles in time.

The win was a welcome tonic for the High Eldwick yard which has seen nine horses finish second in the past week alone.

On a competitive card, Call It On showed great resolution to win the three-mile handicap hurdle for Middleham trainer Phil Kirby and jockey Adam Nicol.

There was a heartwarming win in the finale for Sheffield-born Joe Colliver when he rode Middleham trainer Micky Hammond’s Longueville Flier to victory in the three-mile chase over Jo Foster’s Cara Court.

It was Colliver’s first win since his injury comeback and he will be hoping to ride stable star Just Cameron in next month’s Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

The Hammond yard is opening its doors to visitors next Sunday (10.30am).