Odds-on favourite Limestone Lad continued his preparation for the Cheltenham Festival with his 29th career victory in the Bank of Ireland Hurdle at Naas today. Limestone Lad, with Paul Carberry on board, started at 1/5 and set out in front as usual before pulling up at the finish line by 10 lengths from the second favourite, Ted Walsh's Commanche Court, to win the event for a third year in a row. Lad now heads for Navan for the Boyne Hurdle, his final run before going for the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham. "He jumped well, and I'm thrilled with him today as he has been held up after suffering an over-reach at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting," said Michael Bowe.
Walsh enjoyed some compensation for Commanche Court's defeat later in the afternoon when Atlantic Rhapsody won the Irish Racing Writer's Novice Hurdle. With Charlie Swan on board, the 6/1 chance came late and fast to beat the favourite and top-weight Rathgar Beau with Carberry on board. Atlantic Rhapsody managed to squeeze through a narrow gap on the rails to out-pace the favourite in the dash to the line.
The three-mile novice chase was greatly spoiled as a spectacle when Oa Baldixe fell at the second fence, bringing down both Give Over and Golden Storm. Takagi took advantage of the pile-up, staying on best in the straight under Garrett Cotter to beat Copernicus by three-and-a-half lengths.
The Cheltenham Festival is also on the agenda for Secret Native, who heads next for the Coral Eurobet Hurdle after a hard-earned win in the two-mile-three-furlong handicap hurdle. The National Trial at Punchestown (Feb 2) is next for Pauls Run after the 13-year-old veteran recorded a surprise win in the three-mile handicap chase. Bill Lanigan's charge showed great reserves of stamina, drawing clear for Shay Barry on the run-in to beat Bessmount Leader by nine lengths.
Xenophon got the better of Larry Hogan by two-and-a-half lengths in the maiden hurdle, with Tuco soundly beaten in third when falling at the last. Mr Anvil was driven clear from the furlong pole by Philip Fenton to take the bumper.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
