Youlneverwalkalone could make a quick re-appearance at Cheltenham next Saturday in the Bonusprint Bula Hurdle after a most impressive victory at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
Ridden confidently by Conor O`Dwyer, the 5-4 favourite delighted trainer Christy Roche and leading owner J P McManus when proving much too quick for Moscow Flyer from the final flight to take the Ballymore Properties Hatton`s Grace Hurdle by three and a half lengths.
'I was in two minds all week about running Youlneverwalkalone because he has had his problems since he ran at Cork six-weeks-ago. It`s a relief to see him win like that,' said Roche.
'I wouldn`t be surprised if we ran him back in the Bula Hurdle next weekend. He had plenty of pace but we still don`t know what is his ideal trip,' Roche added.
O`Dwyer was particularly pleased that the horse relaxed better.
He said: 'At Cork last time he was racing most of the way, but today he was happy to lob along and then really picked them up when I went for him.'
McManus confirmed that they were seriously contemplating Cheltenham next Saturday. 'We might go there and leave the horse off over Christmas with Cheltenham in mind.'
Moscow Flyer quickened off a slow enough pace three out to take the lead turning far home where, however, the favourite had cruised up on the outside after Cheltenham Festival winner Sausalito Bay had come down, thankfully escaping injury.
Punters, however, suffered a reverse in the Pierse Drinmore Novice Chase as evens favourite Limestone Lad lost his unbeaten record over the larger obstacles.
Sackville which had won impressively at Cheltenham last month moved up with a determined challenge as the front running Limestone Lad was headed by Arctic Copper after the second last fence where Well Ridden made a bad mistake.
Arctic Copper which was bidding for a third win in as many outings over fences touched the front before David Casey got serious with Sackville to take control after the final fence and win by four and a half lengths with Well Ridden a neck behind Arctic Copper in third.
Limestone Lad was beaten more than eight lengths ultimately, with his jockey Barry Cash reporting that the horse did not relish making the running nor jumped quick enough to establish a significant lead.
Michael Bowe, who does most of the work at home with Limestone Lad for his father Jim, indicated that this hugely popular jumper could go back over hurdles later this month.
'We will sit down and talk about it tonight, but it could be a safer option to go back hurdling with him and aim for the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham again as he may have got a fright last time at Punchestown when he made such a bad mistake at the second last.
'Sackville may run at Leopardstown after Christmas in the Neville Novice Chase, but Cheltenham`s Royal and SunAlliance is tailor-made for him. I was delighted that he was not short of pace, dropping back to two and a half miles,' said trainer Frances Crowley.
Liss A Paoraigh remains undefeated over timber after a hard earned success in the Boyle Bookmakers Royal Bond Novice Hurdle in the hands of Charlie Swan.
An indifferent pace and the minimum two-mile trip were not ideal for the 7-4 second favourite, but she kept going strongly when Swan went to the front in the home straight and they were good value for the half-length margin at the post over 10-1 chance towards Penny Rich.
'The Cheltenham Festival is the target if she is fit and well next March. She might get a break now until February rather than run after Christmas,' said trainer John Kiely.
