Without Limites (left) and Unexpected Depth battle it out after the last© Photo Healy Racing
Without Limites advertised the training skills of Liz Doyle when returning from a year on the sidelines to take the Kilkenny River Court Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.
The grey son of Martaline likes to make the running and Donagh Meyler adopted the customary tactics in this 2m4f event.
The 12/1 shot was strongly pressed from two out by 11/4 favourite Unexpected Depth who looked like he might prevail after Without Limites made a slight mistake at the last.
However, the Goliath Syndicate-owned gelding rallied bravely on the run-in to land the spoils by a neck.
Cusp Of Carabelli was a further five and a half lengths away in third.
Doyle said, “He fractured a knee when he belted the second last in the Munster National last year and we had to stand him in for three months.
“It’s hugely rewarding to have him back here and I think I’ve learned what trip he wants now. Donagh doesn’t think he quite gets three (miles). He always ran like he’d get three but I don’t think his pedigree allows him.
“The way he runs and the way he’s happy in front we’ll keep him at two and a half for the time being.
“I’m thrilled with that and he was as fit as I could get him at home.
“I might leave him over hurdles until the handicap chase that Last Goodbye won in Leopardstown (at the Dublin Racing Festival).”
The County Wexford trainer, who had gone nearly five months without a winner, was making it two victories in the space of just 24 hours after Burlesque Queen scored at Clonmel yesterday.
