Jack Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
< Delegate (9-4 fav) proved too classy for his five rivals in the Connolly's Red Mills Rated Novice Hurdle at Roscommon, but only after surviving a late scare.
Having tracked fellow Gigginstown representative Rise Of An Empire for much of the way, Gordon Elliott's charge was full of running when taking over entering the home straight and seemed set for an easy win.
However, just as he looked to have put matters to bed, he very nearly sent Bryan Cooper out of the side door with a poor jump at the penultimate flight and had to find plenty to see off the renewed challenge of Msmilan by half a length.
Elliott enjoyed a good night and Steamboat Bill (11-2) gained just reward for some solid recent displays when landing the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle.< Aughnacurraveel proved a tough nut to crack, though, jumping with aplomb as he kicked clear in the home straight and the 11-2 winner was only able to master his rival late on, eventually obliging by half a length.
There was a shock in the opening Athleague Mares Maiden Hurdle as Vintage Salon (33-1) got the better of a protracted battle with Kalopsia before going on to score by six and a half lengths.
There was another turn up in the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle as Herbiegoesbananas (33-1) opened his account with a two and three quarter length defeat of Rocky Storm.
All eyes had been on short-priced favourite Captain Barbossa beforehand but he took a crashing fall when seemingly coming to mount his challenge with three hurdles to jump.
There was plenty of money around for Kilcaragh Boy (10-1) before he lined up in the Keen Print Handicap Hurdle and his supporters weren't left disappointed as he reeled in By The Banks with an irresistible late surge.
