Favourite Riviera Sun showed commendable toughness to grind out a result in the www.roscommonracecourse.ie Rated Novice Hurdle under Mark Walsh at Roscommon.

Henry de Bromhead's Milan gelding, along with Mr Boss Man and Space Ship engaged in an exciting tussle up the straight and the former got to the front before the last.

From there the J P McManus-owned strong favourite (6/5 from around 7/4 earlier) saw it out well to prevail by one and a quarter lengths, and a length, from Mr Boss Man and Space Ship.

"I'm delighted. He jumped well and he got a great ride. I'd say he'll get a bit further too," said de Bromhead of his charge, now successful on this good going as well as soft to heavy back in March at Limerick.

"I'm looking forward to getting him over fences at some stage."

(DM & EM)