Delta Work got back on the winning trail with a dominant display in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old has been the star performer in Ireland's staying novice division this season - winning his first three starts over fences including successive Grade One wins at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.
He could only finish third when a hot favourite to claim his second Cheltenham Festival success in the RSA Chase, but was well fancied to bounce back as the 13-8 market leader.
A comfortable success for Delta Work in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase #PunchestownFestival #RTEracing pic.twitter.com/Z2rn0Ig5ac
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) April 30, 2019
With British raider Drovers Lane and Articulum disputing the lead for much of the extended three-mile journey, Davy Russell was happy to take his time on board Delta Work before allowing him to cruise to the lead before the home turn.
A Plus Tard briefly threatened to make a race of it, but Delta Work found another gear under a motionless Russell on the run to the last and winged the obstacle to seal a 12-length success.
Discorama was doing his best work at the finish and beat A Plus Tard to the runner-up spot.
Getabird travelled strongly for a long way but folded tamely.
