FAIRYHOUSE 16:20

Non Runners: GILT SHADOW (IRE). Fences: 16.

Time: 5m 20.8s Closing Sectional: (2.45f): 38.5s (102.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 102.1%

A strong renewal of the race formerly known as the Powers Gold Cup with 4 of the 8 runners having already won in Graded company this season and if, as seems likely, it proves to be A. P. McCoy's last Grade 1 winner in Ireland, then it certainly was a fitting one on which to bow out, Gilgamboa responding well to his rider's considerable urgings to wear down Gitane du Berlais and Smashing, who'd seemed set to fight it out turning for home; a sound pace placed the emphasis on stamina.

GILGAMBOA (IRE) back up in trip, had excuses at Navan last time (reportedly never travelling and returned with cut to off-hind pastern) - form that looks better now than it did at the time - and belatedly built on earlier promise, but he needed the full McCoy treatment to do so; mid-division, not always fluent, ridden 4 out, stayed on to lead after last, just held on; may yet do better, likely to stay 3m and should be a force in open company next season.

THE TULLOW TANK (IRE) in first-time tongue strap, belatedly showed himself to be better in this sphere than over hurdles, but made hard work of things, a jolting error 6 out leaving him further back than ideal but finishing with a rattle; chased leaders, clouted eleventh, labouring 3 out, stayed on strongly, just failed; worth another try at 3m on this evidence, with the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown looking the logical next step.

SMASHING (FR) back up in trip, wasted no time getting back on track; prominent, edged ahead 3 out, untidy next, headed after last, kept on.

GITANE DU BERLAIS (FR) back over fences having landed a Grade 3 hurdle at Auteuil last time, shaped as if still in good form, giving best only late on having possibly done a bit too much in the early stages; made running, jumped well in main, went with enthusiasm, headed 3 out, upsides last, no extra; with her trainer having a very strong team for the novice events at Punchestown another trip to Auteuil may well be on her agenda.

NOBLE EMPEROR (IRE) ran well as it was and deserves even more credit in the circumstances; held up, raced freely, bad mistake fifth, in contention approaching home turn, effort flattened out; hasn't many miles on the clock and appeals as the type to do well in valuable handicaps.

VALSEUR LIDO (FR) ran poorly for just about the first time in his career, a hard race at Cheltenham presumably having left a mark; held up, normally jumps much better, pushed along seventh, crept closer 4 out, beaten when bad mistake last; type to bounce back quickly.

APACHE STRONGHOLD (IRE) didn't get the chance to show if he'd recovered from his exertions at Cheltenham; dropped out, mistake first, fell ninth.

AZORIAN (IRE) without the headgear this time, was out of depth; chased leaders, left behind 4 out, pulled up after next.