Delta just prevails in Elliott one-two in Pertemps

Delta Work just held Glenloe after a nail-biting duel on the climb to the line in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The 6-1 shot, giving trainer Gordon Elliott and owners Gigginstown House Stud a quickfire double after the victory of Shattered Love in the opening JLT Novices' Chase, was all out to hold his stablemate, who was sent off the 9-2 favourite.

Davy Russell showed he was none the worse after being stood down for the last two races on the second day, following a fall from Bless The Wings, when just getting the better of Barry Geraghty by a nose.

The always-prominent Connetable was two and three-quarter lengths away in third, with a further two and a half lengths back to Taj Badalandabad in fourth.

Elliott said: "It's a great day - the horses are flying.

"To have a first and second in a race like this is unbelievable."

Gigginstown boss Michael O'Leary admitted: "I thought we'd lost it on the bob of heads.

"He's improved, he had a light weight - he had a chance.

"It was a great finish. Two master jockeys, Barry and Davy, going hammer and tongs.

"Davy is worth a couple of pounds around here, particularly in these handicaps."

Elliott added: "I didn't know which one to cheer for if truth be told, I was hoping for a dead-heat.

"This horses are running great, I can't complain, so long may it last.

"Both of them will go to Punchestown next."

Russell, winning the race for the third year in succession after Mall Dini in 2016 and Presenting Percy 12 months ago, said: "I thought at the back of the last I was going to go away and win (well), but Barry's horse is very tough.

"I had a great spin the whole way round - there wasn't an inch to be given. It was a very competitive race."

Geraghty said: "He's a big baby. He just looked around (at the last flight) and lost a bit of momentum."

Paul Nicholls said of the gallant Connetable: "He ran really well and jumped the last in front. Harry (Cobden) said he could have done with company racing up this side (stands side), but I am really pleased with him.

"I don't know what we will do now, just probably find something over three miles for him.

"He will probably go back over fences next year, now he is jumping hurdles well with the blinkers on. He might be one to have a look at the Welsh National with."

David Pipe was thrilled with the effort of Taj Badalandabad, saying: "I'm delighted with him. He ran the race of his life.

"We ran him too quickly at Sandown last time. He finished second in his Irish point-to-point to Minella Rocco.

"I'd say he'll run at Aintree or something like that and then go novice chasing next season."