KILLARNEY 18:30 6o3c6b

Non Runners: DUCA DE THAIX (FR). Fences: 12.

Time: 4m 12.5s Closing Sectional: (2.8f): 41.2s (100.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 97.7%

A very strong pace broke this race apart, meaning the winner had only front-running Ornua to as far out as the end of the back straight, though it was the performance of a very well-handicapped youngster all the same.

EVERLASTINGPROMISE saw his mark rise 26 lb during a productive novice campaign yet came back from a 6-month absence looking a different proposition again, slaughtering his rivals in a properly-run race; led until before third, tracked pace after, led on bridle again home turn, drew clear straight, impressive; he's potentially smart, as such one to be interested in for bigger handicaps.

SMITHSCORNER (IRE) shaped encouragingly after 4 months off, all the more so considering he was 8 lb out of the weights, lesser handicaps open to a horse who hasn't had bags of racing over fences; held up, off pace still end of back straight, steady headway straight, took second last.

ORNUA (IRE) went with more zest back over fences with a run behind him, though he couldn't run the finish - from his lofty mark - out of a progressive type; soon led, headed before straight, left behind by winner straight, lost second last.

MY MANEKINEKO should be sharper for the run (6 lb out of weights after 4 months off), though he's a veteran with only a maiden win to his name in this sphere; steadied at the start, raced well off the pace, jumped ponderously, off pace still home turn, some headway out wide straight, no threat.

JAN MAAT (GER) proved a let down after 4 months off, made favourite over a fellow second-season chaser who turned out to be miles ahead of his mark; mid-division, ridden end of back straight, dropped away.

CALLTHEBARMAN (IRE) might have needed the run after 6 months off; handy, ridden end of back straight, weakened.

OR JAUNE DE SOMOZA (FR) was in the process of running below form when departing after 5 months off; chased leader from third, ridden after 4 out, beaten - a length ahead of Jan Maat - when fell heavily 2 out.

BLACK SCORPION (IRE) back down markedly in trip, offered little after 9 months off; raced off the pace, labouring 4 out, behind when hampered and unseated 2 out.

CONTINGENCY seemed to find this a complete culture shock as she lost her unbeaten record over fences after 10 months off, jumping with little conviction and always behind.

AVENIR D'UNE VIE (FR) ran even worse than when last seen in the winter, later said to have bled (never been a robust sort); jumped none too fluently, settled mid-field out wide, lost ground before halfway, tailed off when pulled up straight.