Bellick just had his head down at the right time to edge the verdict by the narrowest of margins in the second division of the 45-70 sprint handicap at Navan.

It was a tight finish as John McConnell's charge, Improving and Teddy Boy fought it out inside the final furlong.

Bellick and Improving flashed past the post locked together and the photo revealed that Siobhan Rutledge had got her mount home by a nose.

“I didn't know but I thought on the nod we might have got it,” said McConnell.

“I was cursing for four furlongs of the race thinking we were on the wrong side so it was probably a good performance.

“He deserves it, he's a little star and never runs a bad race. I'm sure we'll end up back in Dundalk for the winter.

“He had been hitting a flat spot in his races and I said to Siobhan 'don't force him' and it seems to have worked as he's run two better races the last twice.

“Siobhan was flying and then Covid came. It's very tough to give chances the way things are but she's well worth the 7lb claim, listens to what she's told and is improving all the time.

“I'm delighted for her and hopefully it might kick start her again.”