Salsify repeated last year's victory in the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham but he was gifted the win as Oscar Delta threw away victory.

The 2/1 favourite was held up towards rear and crept his way into contention whereas Oscar Delta was prominent throughout.

Mangan sent Oscar Delta to the front four from home but Colman Sweeney cruised into contention after the third last and looked to be going best turning for home.

Salsify struggled to pick up going to the second last and still has a few lengths to find with Oscar Delta jumping the last.

Mangan's mount ducked into toward the tape after the final fence, however, unshipping her and left Salsify to come home one his own.

There was 20 lengths back to 50/1 shot Divine Intavention who won the duel for second with Cottage Oak.

Colman Sweeney felt for his rival afterwards:- "God was on my side, I feel sorry for Jane, though. I did feel he was going to rally but I probably wouldn't have got there.

"This horse is a different horse on decent ground, he didn't feel the same at all on soft. He can be very keen so I dropped him right out until I got settled and then he jumped into it. He does rally and stay on but I think Jane would have won.

"I'd like to dedicate this to John Thomas (McNamara) as everything we do we do for love. He was one of the senior boys when I first started and he still is. We're all thinking of him."

Father Rodger Sweeney, the winning trainer, said: "It was very lucky and I'm gutted for Jane who is a good friend of ours and a very polished rider.

"Our fellow didn't like the ground but he kept trying his best but Jimmy Mangan should have been the winner."