Delegate overcomes heart-stopping moment

Delegate survived a blunder at the second last to land the extended two and a half mile rated novice hurdle in Roscommon.

Gordon Elliott 's charge eased to the front approaching the home bend and tanked along towards the third last as Rise Of An Empire Msmilan and Champagne Harmony all came off the bridle in behind.

However, his serene progress was abruptly halted at the penultimate flight when he made a bad mistake and pecked almost unseating Bryan Cooper.

Cooper sat tight, righted the ship and Delegate was on terms with 11/1 shot Msmilan at the last. He was ridden out on the run-in to beat her by half a length and justify 9/4 favouritism.

Bryan Cooper, in the Gigginstown colours, said: "He was jumping really well and his mistake was half my own fault as I left him pop and he thought otherwise - we were lucky to get away with it.

"The one thing I do like about it is he stuck his head out where it mattered - people would have had their doubts about him six months ago, they would have thought he'd have thrown in the towel but there was no sign of that today and he stuck his head out well.

"He's definitely one to look forward to for summer chasing, if that's the route he goes, because he is crying out for a fence. He's paying them well and I'm looking forward to going chasing with him."

Gordon Elliott said by phone: "He'll get an entry in the Galway Hurdle - I was going to go chasing but he has won three hurdles now so we'll see. He seems to have turned the corner."

Davy Russell suffered a sore right elbow after Zafarqand fell at the second last when not in contention. Russell was replaced by Phillip Enright on his only other ride on the card - Levi in the two mile handicap hurdle.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes