KEMPTON PARK 14:07

All 5 ran. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +30 yds

Time: 4m 59.8s Closing Sectional: (2.4f): 35.6s (97.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 101.1%

A competitive, high-class renewal of this Grade 2, despite the proximity of the Fleur de Lys at Lingfield, non graded but worth double the money, Irish stables represented for the first time since the inaugural running in 2014; the pace was sound and the first 2 came clear after 2 out, the outcome turning jumping at the last, Pic d'Orhy just getting the worst of things when a less fluent jump than the winner's settled matters, both emerging with plenty of credit, given the winner was receiving 3 lb, and likely to be contenders for top honours in the spring; the race was marred by the fatal fall of Notlongtillmay, who'd been a tremendous flag-bearer for his smaller yard.

BANBRIDGE (IRE) made a winning start to his second season over fences after 9 months off, his jumping a bit rusty, though a good jump when he needed one at the last augurs well, the Ryanair rightly on the agenda after this; disputed lead until second, remained prominent, not fluent twelfth, every chance when mistake 3 out, shaken up after, mistake 2 out, jumped on last, ridden out.

PIC D'ORHY (FR) conceding 3 lb to the winner, was unable to repeat his success of last season, ironically let down by his usually excellent jumping when he needed a good leap at the last, but he emerges with plenty of credit and will go well again in the Ascot Chase and the Melling, the races likely again to form the second half of his campaign; led, jumped well in main, went with enthusiasm, joined 3 out, shaken up 2 out, headed when not fluent last, one paced near finish.

JANIDIL (FR) had more of a chance on his best form than the market implied, but he was not at his best in a first-time tongue strap after 2 months off, taking third by default; held up, mistake tenth, shaken up 4 out, left behind soon after.

EDWARDSTONE had run creditably in a competitive handicap at the trip on his only try at it over hurdles, but he didn't seem suited by the extra distance in this small-field scenario, never really settling, his rider reporting that he hung left handed as well; held up, took strong hold, mistake fifth, shaken up after 4 out, challenged briefly early in straight, already weakened before hampered last.

NOTLONGTILLMAY met a sad end; patiently ridden, mistake tenth, close up 4 out, shaken up soon after, not quicken, third when fell fatally last.