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Dal Harraild gave weight and a comprehensive beating to his rivals in the Grand Cup at York.

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old was burdened with a penalty for winning a Listed prize at Newmarket last autumn and, as a result, had to concede 3lb to each of his nine opponents on the Knavesmire.

After blowing away the cobwebs with a creditable comeback effort in last month's John Porter Stakes at Newbury, Dal Harraild was a 3-1 joint-favourite for his latest assignment and dual champion jockey Paul Hanagan was content to bide his time in the rain-softened ground.

Clever Cookie, the other 3-1 joint-favourite and winner of this prize in 2014 and 2015, disputed the running with Harrison, but dropped away tamely early in the home straight.

Harrison stuck to his guns for a little longer, but had no answer when Dal Harraild was produced with his challenge as the Newmarket raider extended impressively to score by three and a half lengths.

Nakeeta finishing strongly to fill the runner-up spot, while Seamour just beat Harrison to third place.