A Decent Excuse followed-up on his recent win at Tramore as he took the feature at Killarney, the MSL Cork Mercedes-Benz Handicap Chase.

The Eugene O'Sullivan trained eight-year-old was 12/1 last night with Paddy Power but prove friendless with punters and went off a 16/1 chance under Alan Crowe.

Settled in second the son of Fruits Of Love was ridden to challenge approaching three out and gained a narrow lead before the next.

He was still narrowly in front over the last before he stretched clear on the run-in, going on to win by two and a quarter lengths. Harangue (12/1), who attempted to make all, finished second under Robbie Colgan for Paul Gilligan while Black Benny (25's in the morning and from 14's to 12's on-course) was a further three parts of a length back in third under Adrian Heskin for Shane Broderick. Devils Bride was sent off the 5/1 favourite and he finished a disappointing eighth under Bryan Cooper for Willie Mullins.

Eugene O'Sullivan said afterwards: "I've always known he was a lovely horse but it has taken a long time to show it.

"He disappointed at Roscommon but I was delighted with him at Tramore and knew he had improved again.

"He's now in the league of getting into the bottom of the weights for the Kerry National and will have an entry in it. He is ground dependant though as Alan (Crowe) said that good ground is the key to him."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed R.C. Colgan, rider of Harangue, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, suspended him for four race days.

R. Walsh, rider of Balnaslow trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his action and was pulled up

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes