The jockey had to go for an early workout after tipping the scales heavier than the minimum 7st 10lb for his mount in the richest three-year-old sprint handicap in Europe.

Gibson had Artie in front from the start but had to hold off a strong late challenge by the 9-1 shot Impressive Flight, to win by a short head at the line.

The David Nicholls-trained Fire Up The Band (7-1) came in third, just ahead of Just James (6-1), with Fayr Jag, Travelling Times and Silver Band fifth, seventh and 10th respectively.

But 5-1 favourite Jonny Eberneezer dropped out quickly from halfway to come home 12th.

"It's third time lucky and it makes a change to win by a short-head," said Gibson, who had feared that he had just got caught on passing the post.

"I got beaten a short-head on Macaw in the Cecil Frail at Haydock and I got beaten a short head on Elvington Boy in a 40-grand race at Musselburgh.

"This was my first winner for Tim and he booked me at 3pm on Monday when the weights came out.

"I had a run this morning to take the extra half pound off.

"Had it been a stiff six furlongs he wouldn't have got home. But when the other horse came to him it helped him."