Chateauneuf Du Pap made it two wins from three starts since joining Ellmarie Holden when taking the opening rated novice hurdle at Limerick.

Davy Russell produced the 7/4 favourite to lead two from home in the two-mile three contest and he stuck on well in the closing stages. Hows Patsy pushed him to the line but could only get within half a length at the death.

"He was flying at home and working well and is a real gutsy horse. He won his maiden at Tramore and he was unlucky the last day when he fell (at Naas) and we were hoping he'd finish third,” said Holden.

"He stuck it out well there today and there is no plan. He'll be better on better ground and we won't panic as there is a long summer ahead."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)