JOCKEY John Egan punched the air in delight after riding Admiral to a stunning pillar-to-post victory in Wednesday's Chester Cup at a sun-drenched Roodee.

And the triumph landed the horse's owner a six-figure payout from the bookies. Football agent Willie McKay had placed a £2,000 each-way bet at 33-1 on the five-year-old, who was given a brilliant ride by Egan.

Admiral took total command of the £120,000 Roodee showpiece, claiming one of Flat racing's most celebrated prizes by a length-and-a-quarter from Vinando (7-1) and Greenwich Meantime (11-2).

Winning trainer Tim Pitt said: 'What a superb ride from John Egan. He has sweated all week to do the weight and what a horse. He is so game and I am thrilled for his owner Willie McKay who has given so much to the racing industry and in particular to me.' nYesterday, jockey Kieron Fallon brought the 6-4 favourite Papal Bull with a late run to win the MBNA Europe Bank Chester Vase by a quarter-of-a-length from Dragon Dancer.

There is little change to the Epsom Derby picture as any plans to supplement the Montjeu colt in the race are not yet finalised.

The highlight of today's six-race programme at the Roodee is the Cheshire Regiment Dee Stakes, which gets underway at 2.20pm.