Melon defies error to notch first chase win at Leopardstown as City Island flops

Two-time Champion Hurdle runner-up Melon got off the mark at the second attempt over fences despite making a significant mistake at the last.

In a dramatic race which saw Cheltenham Festival winner City Island blunder his way out of contention coming out of the back, Melon showed plenty of courage to defy the persistent Gallant John Joe at the line.

The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old had an easy lead from the off and, despite the last-fence mistake, put in some good leaps en route to his fourth win under rules.

City Island, last season's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle victor, seemed to be on the back foot before a race-ending mistake and was pulled up by rider Mark Walsh.

It was a first success for Melon since his WKD Hurdle win at Down Royal in November 2017, and he was left unchanged for the Racing Post Arkle at 14-1 with Betfair.

This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly.