GOWRAN PARK 14:50

Non Runners: STONES AND ROSES (IRE), REGINA DRACONES (IRE), RAMBRANLT'JAC (FR). Fences: 17.

Time: 6m 50.4s Closing Sectional: (2.25f): 36.8s (100.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 140%, Betfair SP 101.3%

The latest edition of the "race that stops a county" produced a stirring finish, one fought out by representatives of the 2 yards that have dominated this contest in recent times, local maestro Willie Mullins holding off the Elliott battalions to claim the prize for a record ninth time, this undoubtedly the best training performance of the lot with the winner having only recently returned from 33 months on the sidelines.

CAREFULLY SELECTED (IRE) produced a borderline very smart performance, on just his second start back from a mammonth absence, to justify strong support, probably worthy of some extra credit, too, as he covered significantly more ground than the trio that chased him home; taken wide, mid-division, lost place over circuit out, crept closer before 4 out, not fluent there, close up when slow next, edged ahead 2 out, all out to hold on; is now a top-priced 25/1 for the Grand National but wouldn't be certain to take to the Aintree fences.

DUNBOYNE (IRE) a winner at this track earlier in the season, produced a career best to very nearly pull off a big shock; mid-division, pushed along briefly early final circuit, steady headway from 5 out, ridden entering straight, challenged 2 out, just failed; not sure to be in the same mood next time, however.

PENCILFULLOFLEAD (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces for his handicap debut, proved at least as good as ever, doing well considering he made a jolting error just as things were heating up; mid-division, ridden when bad mistake 4 out, in touch entering straight, ran on; will remain of interest in valuable staying handicaps.

COKO BEACH (FR) who won this race 2 years ago, confirmed return to form, benefiting from the return to front-running tactics; made running, jumped well, headed 2 out, no extra.

ESPANITO BELLO (FR) who attracted support, got back on track, this sort of mark unlikely to prove beyond him, especially when the emphasis is a little less on stamina; taken wide, mid-division, in contention 4 out, pushed along before home turn, one paced.

FRONTAL ASSAULT (IRE) shaped as if back in form, doing well to get as close as he did after making a number of mistakes and a big mid-race move; in rear, awkward first, slow second, rapid headway to chase leaders before seventh, lost place when blundered 5 out, plugged on.

ESCARIA TEN (FR) shaped very similarly to how he had in this race last year, his finishing effort leaving plenty to be desired having looked a big threat turning for home; tracked pace, second 5 out, effort 3 out, not see race out.

GABBYS CROSS (IRE) was below form; raced wide, mid-division, lost place circuit out, in touch approaching home turn, effort flattened out, found the test too much.

FLASH DE TOUZAINE (FR) found this too competitive; close up, pushed along soon after 5 out, weakened entering straight.

PUNITIVE (IRE) wasn't in the same form as last time; mid-division, headway under pressure after 4 out, held when hampered between last 2, no extra; will be suited by a return to long distances.

FAKIERA (FR) who's being kept busy, ran one of lesser races; in rear, tailed off 4 out.

DARRENS HOPE (IRE) followed a good run with a below-par one; raced wide, prominent, slow eleventh, weakened before 4 out.

CAPTAIN KANGAROO (IRE) failed to complete again, his jumping not to blame this time, though he was said to have had a breathing problem; mid-division, lost place over circuit out, pulled up early final circuit.

EGALITY MANS (FR) shaped a bit better than being pulled up suggests, no surprise to see him back down in trip next time; raced wide, tracked pace, in touch when ridden before home turn, weakening when mistake 3 out, pulled up soon after.

DONKEY YEARS (IRE) ran no sort of race; raced wide, mid-division, off the bridle long way out, behind when pulled up before 3 out.

DEFI BLEU (FR) ran one of this season's lesser races, is proving more miss than hit; held up, struggling long way out, pulled up early in straight.

LIEUTENANT COMMAND (FR) in first-time cheekpieces, added another letter to some uninspiring form figures, always behind and pulled up early in the straight.

BRAESIDE (IRE) ran a moody race and increasingly looks one to avoid; took little interest; best treated with caution.