"He couldn't do anymore. I know it wasn't the greatest contest but the dream is still alive," commented trainer Noel Meade after Disko (1/4) brought up a Naas double for his County Meath yard in the Call Paddy Power For Free On 1800 721 821 Maiden Hurdle.

Mark Walsh rode Meade's earlier winner, the J P McManus-owned Killer Miller whilst Bryan Cooper was aboard Gigginstown House Stud's first-time hooded and up in trip Disko.

The Punchestown Festival Bumper second was in control from some way out in this two and a half miler and he eventually beat Dundrum Lad by twenty nine lengths.

"Two-and-a-half and soft ground suited him better. He has a great cruising speed and jumps well. There are a lot of good horse out there but I think he is a good one," added Meade.

"I was gutted in Galway. I have a little book that I write in the winners and I was tempted to put him in before the race. We weren't anticipating defeat.

"I'd say the ground was too quick for him there. We put a hood on him today but I don't think he was too keen in Galway - he was just beaten.

"There is a race here for him after Christmas and one at Navan. The Monksland will come too soon.

"He's in the Royal Bond but I doubt he'll go there. There are plenty of horses in it and he's only four so I think that would be the wrong thing to do."

B. Hayes, rider of Camlann trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in running.

(GC & EM)