IT wasn’t with the one the market expected but Gordon Elliott still managed to reign supreme in the Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase, as 5lb-claiming rider Gavin Brouder enhanced his reputation as a big staying handicap specialist with a 20/1 surprise aboard Stuzzikini.

American Mike was all the rage with local punters hoping a superb weekend could continue for Jack Kennedy in the Bective Stud silks, with the classy chaser sent off the 5/2 favourite in the €100,000 prize.

While the market leader did travel with purpose into the home straight, his effort petered out at the death and he finished 37 lengths adrift in sixth at the line.

With the John Ryan-trained Lucid Dreams putting up a bold showing on the front end under Danny Mullins, it looked as though the 22/1 shot might repel all challengers. Yeah Man threw his hat into the ring for Gavin Cromwell and looked a serious threat but, all the while, Brouder was getting a right tune out of Stuzzikini, creeping into contention.

A strong finishing effort from the back of the final fence sealed the deal for the enigmatic stayer, drawing clear by two and a half lengths in the colours of VCS Versatile Coating Specialist Ltd & Francis Foran.

Elliott, who saddled nine in the race, was making it a sublime seventh Troytown win across the last 11 runnings. Brouder was also deputising for the sidelined Danny Gilligan, who was originally due to ride Stuzzikini before being ruled out through injury.

“I tipped this horse up yesterday on television and I said he had a chance,” said Elliott.

“I just thought he was a horse that leaves a bit for himself, he is a bit of a monkey. I thought he could have a couple of pounds up his sleeve.

“Gavin gave him a great ride. Danny was unfortunate, he got a fall. In fairness to Gavin, I’d say he has won on most of the horses he rides [in big staying handicaps], so we will just keep him riding in the big chases! To win seven Troytowns is unbelievable.”

Brouder, a native of Listowel, had already won a J.T. McNamara Munster National for Elliott on Aforementioned in 2020, as well as a Midlands National on the Mouse Morris-trained Foxy Jacks last year. He got a massive kick out of plundering another major staying pot at the Navan Racing Festival.

“I only found out this morning that I’d be riding this horse,” said Brouder.

“Garry Cribbin [jockeys’ agent] told me that the horse I was due to ride, Where It All Began, wasn’t running but that I’d ride Stuzzikini. When I looked up his form and watched his runs, I thought he had a live chance off a low weight [10st 6lb when factoring in the 5lb claim] on nice ground.

“I got a brilliant ride around and tried to keep him out of the hustle and bustle - he really enjoyed it today. I couldn't believe how well I was going after the back of the last to the line, I had a big smile on my face!”

He added: “It’s very unfortunate for Danny. Hopefully he gets back soon enough. Fingers crossed this can give my career a help because I’ve had a lot of injuries when things were going well before; that kind of stopped me a bit. Gordon has a lot of lads to look after but has kept me in the loop with a couple of winners.”