Salsify and Oscar Delta are set for a thrilling rematch in the Racing Post Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown next week.

Jimmy Mangan's Oscar Delta appeared to have sealed victory in the Foxhunter Chase at last month's Cheltenham Festival after touching down after the final fence, but he jinked on the run-in and parted company with the trainer's daughter, Jane Mangan.

As a heartbroken Mangan trudged off the track, the Rodger Sweeney-trained Salsify came through to claim the prize for the second successive year.

Sweeney said: "Salsify is well and will run in the Racing Post Champion Hunters Chase providing the ground is nice.

"It's hard to know what would have happened at Cheltenham. He is a very tough horse and the way it looked, he seemed to be gaining but we will never know what would have happened. You have to pass that red and white lollipop in front to win.

"We beat Oscar Delta last year at Cheltenham so I have no problem taking him on again."

Mangan is confident that his charge will come out on top this time with the help of some rain.

"Oscar Delta has been in great form since Cheltenham and is an intended runner (at Punchestown)," said Mangan.

"He had the race won at Cheltenham and although Colman (Sweeney, rider of Salsify) said he was gaining on Oscar Delta, he knows deep down he wasn't going to catch him and he told me that.

"We are looking forward to taking him on again but it will be a different race. If the weather forecast is right and the ground is soft, that's the only hope I have because I won't beat Salsify on fast ground.

"I couldn't account for Oscar Delta's run (when well beaten) behind Salsify at Leopardstown in February. Although they call the ground soft at Leopardstown, it's a fast soft and maybe that didn't suit.

"I beat Salsify at Fairyhouse last year so this could be the decider as they say."