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Educate landed the 57th John Smith´s Cup at York at the fourth attempt.

A regular on the Knavesmire, the Ismail Mohammed-trained seven-year-old was always close to the admittedly moderate pace under Thomas Brown.

Belgian Bill held a narrow advantage inside the final two furlongs, but Educate was always on top of that fast-retreating rival.

Elbereth flew at the death, but Brown had expertly worked out his fractions and won this valuable mile-and-a-quarter handicap with a hint of authority.

Earth Drummer and Gold Trail finished third and fourth respectively.

Fifth in the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot, Educate was claiming a first victory since he struck in the 2013 Cambridgeshire at Newmarket.

Brown said: "That was great for the horse. For him to win this race at the age of seven off a mark of 108 is fantastic.

"We knew we had him in good form and I had a lovely position throughout. He travelled really well and stuck his next out to the line."

Brown rode over 50 winners in 2013, but has endured a tougher couple of years since.

"If I'm honest, I thought the world owed me a favour, which of course it didn't," said the jockey.

"I've been a lot more determined this year and I've really knuckled down.

"I'm just out of my claim - I lost it a couple of weeks ago at Lingfield - and to ride a big winner like this is great."

Assistant trainer Mike Marshall said: "We've been really happy with this horse this year.

"He ran a great race on his first run of the year at Goodwood and got put up 12lb for that, which was always going to make things tough.

"The key to him has been getting him happy again. We've had to tread carefully, we've sweetened him up and it's a huge relief to see him winning again.

"He had conditions to suit and the bit of rain helped."

Asked about future targets, Marshall added: "With this horse, we always take things one race at a time."