Gordon Elliott was celebrating with old school mates after the success of Raajih in the beginners chase at Kilbeggan.

The Dalakhani gelding was gaining a deserved success after a series of placed efforts when landing the 3m1f event.

Davy Russell sent his mount to the front before the straight and he stayed on well in the closing stages to post three-and-a-quarter length success over Dominetta Vitali

“He deserved that for the boys that own him. They are all around my age and we went to school together," revealed Elliott.

“I lived beside them in Moynalvey in Co Meath. They've had four or five horses now and he's their first winner.

“He'll get a break for a month now as he's been on the go for a while. The horses are running well and another winner keeps it going.” Spot Fine was withdrawn at the start on vets advice. He was 3/1 at the time and there was a 25 cent deduction to all bets.