Review CORK 21ST OCT

Limestone Lad made it two from two over fences with an emphatic victory in the Kevin McManus Novice Chase at Cork on Saturday.

The popular gelding found himself taken on for the lead in the early stages by Hill Fox, and later by Sackville, who led by three lengths entering the straight.

However a fine leap two out saw the 1/1 favourite back in front, from which point he stayed on well to score by three lengths, with the pair a distance clear of the rest.

'I was worried about his jumping, as well as the fact that he is still only about 75 % fit', said trainer's son Michael Bowe.

'But he did it well, and I think we'll stay over fences now, with the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse a possible target'.

The featured John James McManus hurdle was won in gutsy fashion by Knife Edge, making his last appearance over hurdles.

After watching her father's gelding see off the flattering Youlneverwalkalone by 3/4 length, Anne-Marie O Brien said : 'He goes chasing now, with probably one run before the Denny Gold Medal at Leopardstown'.

Philip Carberry rode out his claim in partnering a quick-fire double aboard Copernicus and 25/1 outsider Albatros.

The successes were achieved in contrasting fashions, with Copernicus making all to score decisively for the Pat Hughes stable in the Kevin McManus Novice Hurdle.

Albatros meanwhile, collared Golden Storm close home to give Edward O'Grady a poignant victory in the juvenile hurdle, named after his Irish National hero Bit Of A Skite.