Nicky Richards is looking to the spring with Simply Ned after his run in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
Narrowly beaten in a Grade One in Ireland over Christmas, in which Un De Sceaux fell, he proved no match for Willie Mullins' chaser on this occasion.
Richards is now eyeing a new race at Kelso.
"He was grand. Brian (Harding) thought Ruby (Walsh) rode a completely different race than at Leopardstown," said Richards.
"I knew Un De Sceaux would be fresh and start off quick at Leopardstown. The first half of this race Brian thought they went steady before he gradually increased the tempo.
"Simply Ned has had a grand year, whatever happens next. Everybody knocks him, but he is a grand horse and he was not beaten that far as he stayed on up the hill again. He is just missing the boat in that top league.
"There are no mugs at that level, but he is no mug either. We will just freshen him up for the spring. They've put a conditions race on at Kelso and that might just suit him."