Delta Work came with a thundering late run to deny the gallant Monalee in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.
Monalee had jumped for fun out in front for Rachael Blackmore and appeared to have everything on the stretch running down to the last.
Delta Work (11-2) looked booked for a place at best turning into the straight as Jack Kennedy, who also took the other Grade One feature on Apple's Jade as part of a treble, was asking his mount for everything.
Kemboy, who had been keen throughout, Road To Respect, Presenting Percy and the outsider Jett all held chances at some stage, but Monalee had seemingly seen them all off.
Unfortunately for Blackmore, she lost an iron after the last and kicked the other one free as Delta Work began to close.
There was nothing in it at the line, but Delta Work got the verdict by a head. Road To Respect was third.
The winner was cut to 10-1 from 25s for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March by Betfair.
Delta Work swoops to win the Savills Chase by a nose from Monalee! Favourite Kemboy was fourth #Leopardstown pic.twitter.com/KCUS95kTZV
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 28, 2019
"I was happy (thinking) we were going to finish third or fourth," said trainer Gordon Elliott, who claimed his second Grade One of the day to move ahead of Willie Mullins as the Festival's leading trainer.
"When he jumped the last I could see him pulling out.
Gigginstown owner Michael O'Leary salutes Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy after their Grade One double at #Leopardstown but isn't tempted to reconsider his decision to gradually wind down operations. pic.twitter.com/Q8orfU5N8d
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 28, 2019
"He has won a couple of Grade Ones already and to win one like this is something else."
It was a stunning return to form for the six-year-old, who had disappointed when finishing second last at Down Royal in November.
"There was no pressure coming here today," said Elliott. "We were riding him to come home and run a good race.
"I knew there was a good bit of improvement in him. Maybe that's the way to train him, maybe I was training him wrong last year.
"We thought he was a Gold Cup horse last year and our bubble got burst at Down Royal. We're not gone yet."
Jack Kennedy thinks Delta Work could be a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender after the jockey sealed his treble at #Leopardstown and second Grade 1 win of the day in the Savills Chase pic.twitter.com/BAwPTcYOOR
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 28, 2019
Elliott also hailed Kennedy after the jockey sealed his third win in a row.
"Jack is riding out of his skin. He has had a few hard injuries and it's good to see him back riding like this. He's a top-class jockey.
"For Michael (owner O'Leary), Anita and all the kids to be here today, it's their first day racing this year, and we have to produce winners and keep them coming."
