Mr Cracker returned to Limerick to make it two out of three over fences but his task in the Glenview Stud Novice Steeplechase was greatly simplified by the fall of Taking Stock at the second last fence.

Bouncing back from his flop at Cork three weeks ago, Mr Cracker made the running in the hands of Davy Russell who asked for more effort as Taking Stock and Son Of Oscar closed up before the straight. Taking Stock looked to be going that bit better when he crumpled on landing at the penultimate fence leaving Mr Cracker clear. In fairness to the victorious chestnut he stayed on well from that point home.

Winning trainer Michael Hourigan wasn't present as he was at the sales but he reported by phone: "I thought he might have won in any case and they are there to be jumped. He'll go for the Drinmore next."

Meanwhile there was relief all round when Taking Stock eventually got to his feet and his rider Mark Walsh hobbled away.