Limestone Lad remains on course for the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham after landing the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle for the third successive year at Naas.
The popular ten-year-old gelding made all in the two and a half miles event, and was able to cruise home in the straight for an effortless ten lengths victory over Commanche Court.
'I'm thrilled with him today as he has been held up after suffering an over-reach at Leopardstown,' said Michael Bowe before adding, 'He will go now for the Boyne Hurdle at Navan (February 17), and will have a racecourse school after that before going to Cheltenham.' Cashmans leave him unchanged at 5/1 for the 'Stayers'.
Takagi is likely to be on Edward O'Grady's team for the Cheltenham Festival, and the Husyan gelding recorded his third course win in the Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase. The whole complexion of this three miles event changed when half of the six runners exited at the second fence, Oa Baldixe falling and bringing down Give Over and Golden Storm (remounted to finish a distant fourth).
'He is entered for the Royal & Sun Alliance Chase (33/1 with Cashmans), and we will probably put him in the Kim Muir as well,' said O'Grady.
Tom Taaffe has his string in top form at present, and Secret Native added to his tally when gaining a hard-earned two and a half lengths victory under David Casey in the Powers Gold Label Championship Handicap Hurdle. 'He was very brave today, and will head now for the Coral Eurobet Hurdle at Cheltenham.'
The National Trial at Punchestown next Saturday is on the agenda for Pauls Run after the 13 year old veteran recorded a surprise win in the Cedar Building Handicap Chase. Bill Lanigan's charge showed great reserves of stamina, drawing clear on the run-in to beat Bessmount Leader by nine lengths.
Charlie Swan was seen at his best when producing Atlantic Rhapsody on the far rail to head Rathgar Beau in the closing stages of the EBF Irish Racing Writers Novice Hurdle. The former champion last successfully teamed up with trainer Ted Walsh to land a novice chase aboard Papillon.
Alan Magee
