ELEGANT Escape showed plenty of courage and determination to preserve his unbeaten status under rules in the Mitie Events & Leisure Novices' Hurdle at Ascot.

After getting up close home to register a debut victory over hurdles at Chepstow, the Colin Tizzard-trained four-year-old appeared to appreciate the step up to an extended two-mile-five furlongs in an entertaining finish.

Moving into the lead on the run down to two out the 8-1 shot was quickly joined for company by favourite Laser Light and useful chaser Aloomomo.

Although headed by Laser Light over both the second-last and final flight, the 150,000 euro purchase was not to be denied as he valiantly fought back past the market leader to score by three-quarters of a length.

Tizzard's son and assistant, Joe, said: "He is a lovely horse. He is just a big baby, but he is only four years old and that was only his third run. He is learning all the time and has a big engine.

"Tom O'Brien gave him a lovely educational ride at Chepstow and never touched him with the stick.

"It was a step up today, but he is one of those we are going to be sensible with. We are very aware he is a big baby that we want over fences in a couple of years time.

"That (Albert Bartlett) is in the back of our minds and he is already in the picture for that, but we will be looking after him and there are no immediate plans."