Casey was a late stand-in for Tony McCoy

Kempes stormed to an emphatic victory for trainer Willie Mullins in the rescheduled Irish Hennessy Gold Cup.

Kempes should only have been the stable's second string, but Cooldine was ruled out of the Leopardstown race, which was rained off last Saturday.

The 5-1 shot, ridden by David Casey, beat Glencove Marina and last year's winner Joncol to win by four lengths.

Glencove collapsed after crossing the line and later died while Money Trix reportedly picked up a serious injury.

Kempes was later inserted at 25-1 by bookmakers in the betting for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham - and later in the day was backed down to 20-1 and 16-1 in places.

"I asked David to go out and get him to jump round and if he'd any chance to take it," said Mullins, who withdrew Cooldine on Friday after the nine-year-old had developed a wind problem.

"I said to him if he got round he'd have more speed than the others and he probably even arrived too soon.

"I'm delighted for the horse, his owner and especially his jockey as he gave him a terrific ride.

"I imagine he'll go for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next and better ground should suit too - the ground might not be as bad as we thought today."

Imperial Commander is available at 7-2 for the Gold Cup, with Denman, Long Run and Kauto Star all priced at about 7-1.

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