LEOPARDSTOWN 14:20 m1s6y

All 4 ran. Hurdles: 9.

Time: 3m 55.3s Closing Sectional: (5.4f): 80s (99.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 100.8%

Four runners made for the smallest field since 2015 but it was a more interesting renewal than many in that period courtesy of a clash between Ireland's leading hurdler and last season's top novice, the former never looking like getting caught once the clear leader had been reeled in 2 out, even if the runner-up did manage to close the gap to half a length approaching the last.

STATE MAN (FR) saw off the challenge of his year-younger stable companion to cement his status as the pre-eminent hurdler in Ireland, success coming just as straightforwardly as it had in his previous 6 Grade 1 wins, including this race last season: led main group, jumped well in main, travelled fluently, led soon after 2 out, shaken up after last, asserted quickly, pushed out; he'd be a warm order for the Champion Hurdle in any normal era but is unfortunate to be a contemporary of probably the greatest hurdler of all time, nothing new in this effort to give Constitution Hill's connections cause for concern, though he'll first be able to embellish his outstanding record in the Irish Champion here in February.

IMPAIRE ET E (FR) ran a fine race even though taking his record in open company to 2 defeats from as many starts, no shame in going down to a top-class rival who went about business a bit more professionally; held up, untidy fourth, close up when mistake 2 out, chased leader approaching last, effort there, held run-in; he'll win more good races and the feeling is that there's still a bigger effort in his locker, his trainer raising the possibility of going back up in trip, not that there's a Grade 1 option around 2½m this side of the Aintree Hurdle.

ECHOES IN RAIN (FR) finished where she was entitled to; held up, took strong hold, not fluent fourth, close up after 2 out, left behind approaching last, not knocked about; she'll be of more interest back against her own sex and her style of racing really lends itself to bigger-field events, which she rarely gets to contest.

FILS D'OUDAIRIES (FR) above all faced a stiff task but still spoiled what little chance he had by jumping right; raced clear, blundered second, reduced advantage 3 out, headed soon after next, soon beaten.