DELTA Work got back on the winning trail with a dominant display in the Grade 1 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 1 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.

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.