Limestone Lad remains unbeaten over fences following the 22nd success of a flourishing career at Punchestown this afternoon in the Grade Three Craddockstown Novice Chase.
In the absence of Knife Edge - sold yesterday afternoon for an undisclosed sum to leading Irish owner JP McManus - Limestone Lad was a 1-7 favourite to beat just four inferior rivals and ultimately accomplished the task readily.
However, there was a major scare for punters two fences from the finish, when the winner barely took off and rider Barry Cash did well to keep the partnership intact when they landed awkwardly.
'He just wasn`t concentrating and didn`t come up for me two out. Considering he hit the fence halfway up, he did well to stay uon his feet,' reported Cash.
Limestone Lad now heads to the Pierse Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse in a fortnight`s time, while Knife Edge - who is set to remain with Naas trainer Michael O`Brien following his sale - will be back in the Dennys GoldMedal Chase at Leopardstown on December 26.
Generosa eventually took second money behind Limestone Lad after Pippin`s Ford had come down when trying to keep tabs on the favourite three fences out and then Northern Galaxy took a crashing fall when a tired, remote second at the final obstacle.
Barry Cash had initiated a double an hour earlier when Royal Plaisir proved a smooth winner of the Raceday Events Novice Hurdle for local trainer Arthur Moore.
Moscow Flyer justified odds of 2-5 in some style when taking the Morgiana Hurdle for Kildare trainer Jessica Harrington to fulfil the promise shown at Cork last month when a close third to Knife Edge.
'I liked the way he quickened up after the second-last. Paul (Moloney) said he was idling in front out on his own,' said his trainer.
She added: 'We will try him over an extra half-mile at Fairyhouse in the Hatton`s Grace Hurdle and see what happens there.'
