Rule The World leads Jennies Jewel and Dunguib (second from right)© Photo Healy Racing
Dunguib made his long awaited return to racing in the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas today and filled third spot behind the Gigginstown House Stud owned and World Hurdle bound winner Rule The World
Rule The World, under Bryan Cooper, made all and stayed on well for a comfortable seven and a half lengths win over Jennies Jewel with Dunguib, under regular rider Brian O'Connell, staying on for a never dangerous third.
Rule The World's trainer Michael 'Mouse' Morris later stated “that was good even if I say so myself!
“The bottomless ground and making the running wouldn't be ideal but it was a good performance and he'll go straight for the World Hurdle now.”
Dunguib, winner of the 2009 Cheltenham Bumper and now an eleven year old having his first run for 1040 days, pleased his trainer Philip Fenton who later stated “we did lots of slower work with him and I actually expected him to get tired a bit sooner than that. His jumping was a bit better and there's a bit of light at the end of the tunnel!
“Hopefully he'll be ok in the morning and we'll see where we can go next; he could go for the Red Mills at Gowran if he's in good shape.”
Regarding another of the trainer's returning stars, Fenton said “Last Instalment is in good shape and came out of Thursday's Thurles race well and is in good shape; the Red Mills Chase or the Hennessy are possible targets for him next.”
Paddy Power later cut Rule The World to 14/1 (from 16s) for the World Hurdle.
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
