Aran Concerto, Checkpointcharlie and Lakil House were all withdrawn from the Kilberry Novice Chase owing to ground conditions leaving Deutschland as the very-hot 4/9 market leader of the six strong field.

Ruby Walsh brought home Allan McLuckie's gelding with the ease that would be expected of such an odds-on chance, beating Turtle Time Lucky by ten lengths.

Successful trainer, Willie Mullins said: "He is entered in the Power Gold Cup. Trip wise I think he'll stay three miles and I'd have no worries moving him up in distance. He is improving all the time and I'm looking forward to the spring with him." (EM)