Limestone Lad made the transition back to hurdles look easy at Naas yesterday when he made every yard a winning one under reunited pilot Shane McGovern in the five-runner Bank Of Ireland Hurdle.
Recording his second successive victory in the two-and-a-half contest, the prolific money-spinner showed no ill-effects of the muscle injury picked up after disappointing over fences behind Sackville at Fairyhouse early last month.
Instead, he showed all his old zest and enthusiasm and simply relished his return to the smaller obstacles en route to a power-packed six length victory over Slaney Native.
'He's getting smart in his old age. I only gave him a pop over hurdles last week and Shane said the more he jumped the more he warmed up,' said Michael Bowe, son of veteran permit holder James, of the nine-year-old.
'At this stage, the plan will be similar to last year taking in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan before having a crack at the stayers hurdle. He'll come on for that run,' summed up Bowe junior.
Shane McGovern, reunited with the horse who has yielded over #225,000 in career earnings,' was naturally chuffed,' He was a bit rusty in the early stages but the way he pinged the second last when he needed to was him at his very best.'
Sackville, the horse who put paid to Limestone Lad's unbeaten record over fences in the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse, got back on the Cheltenham trail when powering home in the 3m #35,000 Grade 3 Chase.
Having missed an engagement at Leopardstown over Christmas due to ' a hind leg infection ', the 2/5 chance tracked front-running market rival Rose Of Inchiquin from flagfall until Barry Geraghty coaxed the warm favourite to lead approaching the penultimate fence.
Despite running around a bit once in front, this was a performance that certainly keeps Cheltenham Festival dreams alive in six weeks time. 'If he comes out of the race well he'll take his chance next Sunday at Leopardstown (Dr P.J Moriarty Novice Chase 2m5f)' said Frances Crowley, who added, for prospective Cheltenham fans, 'If the ground comes up good for him there it will be a very big help.'
Cork firm Cashmans left the eight-year-old unchanged at 6/1 for the Sun Alliance Chase in March with a similar price for Limestone Lad , a point behind joint favourites Anzum and Lady Rebecca (from 12's), for the Stayers.
Kildare businessman Dermot Cox, who earlier in the day 'opened a business park in Newbridge' had his colours carried to victory compliments of Takagi who justified odds-on favouritism with the minimum of fuss under Barry Geraghty in the opening 2m3f maiden hurdle.
'He's not good enough for any of the novice races at Cheltenham but I would consider the 4m chase with him at the Festival,' said Edward O'Grady.
Elsewhere, Glens Music responded gamely to a determine Tommy Treacy drive to land the Irish Racing Writers Novice Hurdle at the expense of Bob Justice with even money favourite Timber King a disappointing third while Supreme Touch and Peter Buchanan won the finale for Denise Foster.
Favourite backers suffered a cruel blow during the three mile handicap chase when top-weight Peggy's Lad was brought down by Baltic Magic in the early stages but for those who supported eventual winner Section Seven, they had better fortune when Austin Leahy's charge nearly unseated Philip Carberry at the last. BF
