TOP CEES left his rivals floundering in the £50,000 added Tote Chester Cup yesterday to wipe away the bitter taste left by his triumph two years ago.

Cheers replaced the jeers of 995 as the 11 to 2 chance strolled home by 10 lengths in the historic staying event.

Controversy had been stoked up by Top Cees' previous Chester Cup victory after the gelding had appeared to be given an easy race on his outing before the big race.

He did not create such a stir on this occasion as he cruised through the field to lead in the home straight to defeat the front running Etterby Park. Thaljanah was third, with the favourite Canon Can fourth.

It was a great triumph for Robert Sangster, one of Chester's staunchest supporters, and trainer Lynda Ramsden and her husband Jack. Top Cees was racing in the colours of Sangster who had acquired a half share from Alan Leonard after the 1995 Chester Cup victory.

Jockey Jimmy Fortune was convinced from a long way out as the race unfolded that victory would be his. "I thought they had gone too fast and my horse just travels so well. It was really just a matter of steering," he said.

Mrs Ramsden and Fortune rounded off their day in style when Bishops Court easily landed the Roodeye Handicap.

Kyle Rhea destroyed the classic ambitions of her rivals to gallop to a runaway victory in the Shadwell Stud Cheshire Oaks.