Limestone Lad recorded the 25th win of his illustrious career when adopting his usual front-running tactics to take the Woodlands Park 100 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle at Naas on Saturday.
James Bowe's popular gelding was ridden for the first time by Martin Mooney, and the nine-year-old put in a fine round of jumping before staying on strongly from the second last to beat Kadoun by six lengths. Bookmaker reation was to leave Limestone Lad unchanged for the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham, with Belfast firm Sean Graham going 10/1.
'He was in great form today, and was full of himself in the parade ring beforehand', said the successful permit holder, who added: 'Martin gave him a good ride, and we will think about a three mile handicap at Navan next Sunday before going for the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse (December 2).'
Permit holders were to the fore throughout the afternoon, with Landican Lane and Dark Magic also scoring. Landican Lane, trained in Co. Cork by Rodger Sweeney and ridden by his son Colman (18), paid a massive #665.20 for a win on the Tote after a shock victory in the 22 runner Kilwarden Handicap Hurdle. The Sweeney's were enjoying their first success on the track, with the five-year-old gelding leading on the run-in to beat Jacksons Gold by a length and a half.
Kilkenny vet Paddy Fennelly was another permit holder on the mark when Dark Magic just held the renewed effort of Satcoslam by a shorthead in the Quinns Of Naas Novice Chase. Fennelly holds the lightly raced ten-year-old in high regard, and mentioned the Royal & SunAlliance Chase as a possible target if his charge continues to progress.
Alan Magee
