The Storyteller completes another hat-trick for Elliott

An truly memorable day for Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham was rounded off when The Storyteller , guided by Davy Russell, put in a late run to snatch victory in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase this afternoon. 

It was a third winner of the afternoon for the trainer - but it was only in the last few strides the well-backed 5-1 favourite got the better of the brave Splash Of Ginge.

Nigel Twiston-Davies' 10-year-old landed in front over the last, but The Storyteller was not put off and despite taking a wayward course, was straightened up by Russell to score by a length and three-quarters. 

Elliott said: "Davy gave the horse a peach. He was my nap of the meeting last year in the Martin Pipe, but he went wrong so it's brilliant. The horse was great. I'm absolutely thrilled."

In reply to a question about the secret of his success, the Meath trainer added: "Good horses, good owners, good staff - keep it simple." 

Earlier in the day Delta Work, also trained by Elliott with Russell also on board held off Glenloe in a nail-biting duel to win the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle. 

The 6-1 shot, gave Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud a quickfire double after Shattered Love earlier won the JLT Novices' Chase with Jack Kennedy on board. 

"It's a great day - the horses are flying," said a delighed Elliott after The Storyteller won. Russell also enjoyed a win on Balko Des Flos trained by Henry de Bromhead to complete a trio of wins for him. 

Yesterday Elliott also achieved a hat-trick of wins at Cheltenham.