Knife Edge scored a famous success on what could be his last start over timber when flooring hot favourite Youlneverwalkalone in a thrilling finish to the John James McManus Memorial Hurdle at Cork this afternoon.
Fresh from an easy success on the Flat at Gowran Park, Knife Edge showed plenty of determination as he fought back on the run-in to defeat the favourite by half a length with Moscow Flyer finishing well for third less than a length adrift.
Knife Edge delighted his Kildare trainer Michael O`Brien and regular rider Tom Rudd as he took the IR£60,000 highlight of the Cork meeting, transferred from Tipperary where the course was waterlogged.
'We only ran him in this race because we didn`t have to meet Istabraq. It is a lovely pot to win before he goes jumping fences in the next couple of weeks,' said former champion trainer O`Brien from his home.
Knife Edge (9-2) and Youlneverwalkalone (11-10) were in front early in the last mile and although the favourite out-jumped Rudd`s mount at the last, it was still all to play for on the run for the line.
Responding well to a couple of cracks of Rudd`s whip, Knife Edge got back in front close home and was good value for his half-length margin of victory.
'Knife Edge will have a run or two in novice races before he goes for the Denny Gold Medal Chase at Leapordstown after Christmas,' said winning trainer O`Brien.
Youlneverwalkalone may just have been found out by a lack of fitness on the soft ground after a summer break.
Youlneverwalkalone carried the colours of the sponsor, champion owner J P McManus, who had seen Istabraq win the event, named in memory of his late father, for the previous two seasons.
Limestone Lad continued his chasing education in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Novice Chase.
Successful at Cork last Sunday, the durable Limestone Lad showed he was none the worse for his second outing in a week as he defeated 5-1 chance Sackville by three lengths.
There are some ambitious plans for Limestone Lad now that he has made a smooth transition to steeplechasing, with his owner-trainer Jim Bowe remarking: 'We will be thinking big things for him this season.
'We are delighted that Limestone Lad jumped better today for Barry Cash. A more testing track and softer ground would be even more suitable for him,' said Bowe, referring to the fact that the horse had to come under pressure to catch and pass Sackville in the home straight.
