Fantasy Hill was the 8-1 winner of the Tote Chester Cup, dashing Rainbow High's quest to win the race for a record three times.

Pat Eddery's mount hit the front coming into the home straight of the 2m 2f race and held off the brave challenge of 6-1 joint favourite Rainbow High by two lengths.

Last year's runner-up High And Mighty, at 12-1, was a head further back with Riyadh fourth at a price of 16-1.

Fantasy Hill, who was third in the race two years ago, won this year's contest in a record time.

Eddery missed the first race of the afternoon after being caught up in traffic going to the course but was there for the big race, which he also won back in 1989 on Grey Salute.

It was the first success in the race for trainer John Dunlop.

"He was unlucky two years ago as he had a bad draw and never got a run," said Eddery.

"But it was very smooth today and he quickened up well."

Rainbow High's trainer Barry Hills was far from disappointed with the performance of the seven-year-old, who was giving 18lb to the winner, and did not rule out another crack at the race next year.

"He's run a great race, giving the winner a lot of weight," Hills said.

"Who knows, he could be back next year."

Double-handed

Meanwhile, Shadow Dancing enhanced her Vodafone Oaks credentials with victory in the Victor Chandler Cheshire Oaks.

The filly's jockey, Martin Dwyer, took up the running turning into the home straight on the 9-4 joint favourite.

Although Bright And Clear stayed on from off the pace to get within a length-and-a-quarter of the winner, the result was never in much doubt.

Shadow Dancing, bred by Major Dick Hern and Willie Carson, is trained by Marcus Tregoning, who is also responsible for another strong Oaks fancy, Esloob.