Elliott decision to book Brooke pays dividends with fine double

Henry Brooke excels around this unique, tight course and, with Richard Johnson engaged at Market Rasen, he got the leg up on both of Gordon Elliott's runners.

It was a fine decision by Elliott and one rewarded with a double, as Western Home won the 2m5f handicap chase before Eshitiaal landed the day's feature, and the track's richest race of the season, the £26,000 totescoop6 Cumbria Crystal Trophy Handicap Hurdle.

Brooke rode his first winner for Elliott at Perth last month on Le Grand Chene, a spare ride after Johnson had been stood down, and the jockey said: "Any winner is good but it makes it very special when it's for a big yard, and it's nice to get those opportunities."