Mangan feels Kempton just did not suit Spillane's Tower

The six-year-old struggled to keep up with the blistering pace set by French raider and eventual runner-up Il Est Francais and was ultimately well held.

SMART PROSPECT: Spillane's Tower was a dual Grade One-winning novice last season but he struggled to land a blow in the King George on St Stephen's Day. Picture:  Healy Racing

Jimmy Mangan believes Spillane's Tower failed to act on the track when beaten into fifth place in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

A dual Grade One-winning novice over fences last season, the six-year-old made a hugely encouraging start to the new campaign when splitting fellow JP McManus-owned gelding Fact To File and his stablemate Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan at Punchestown.