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- Viconte too good for Upazo and co
Donal Murphy
Viconte too good for Upazo and co
Viconte Du Noyer pictured on his way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing
Viconte Du Noyer easily accounted for main market rival Upazo in the Killarney Oaks Hotel Novice Chase.
The Henry De Bromhead trained victor impressed when winning over the course on his last start at the July Festival and he was sent off the 4/5 favourite to follow-up this evening.
The two market rivals took each other on from the start as they led and disputed.
Viconte Du Noyer went on at the third last as Upazo came under pressure. The victorious grey son of Martaline then stretched clear before the last and came home eleven lengths to the good under Jonathan Burke.
Upazo (15/8), who won at Tramore on Sunday, finished second under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins while Fort Smith was six and a half lengths back in third.
Jonathan Burke said afterwards: "That was straight forward enough. He jumped great except for the last where he just had a good look at it.
"It took a while to get to know him. We let him roll the last day, and did the same today. He's very nimble and quick on his feet, and has loads of scope. It was also nice to see him able to step up in trip.
"The ground was quick enough today, and probably summer soft would be ideal for him."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee