< Mr Cracker bounced back from a disappointing run to record his second win in three races over fences at Limerick.

However, the task of Michael Hourigan's charge was made easier in the Glenview Stud Novice Chase when Taking Stock fell two fences from home.

Mr Cracker (5-2) set out to make all under Davy Russell but was being hassled by Taking Stock when that horse came down when holding every chance. Son Of Oscar took second place, nine lengths behind the easy winner.

"I thought he might have won in any case and they are there to be jumped. He'll go for the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse next," said Hourigan.

Trainer John Walsh enjoyed a double with Belord (9-2) in the Winter Wonderland Maiden Hurdle and Mantell (5-1) in the Britain v Ireland Ladies Handicap Hurdle.

Having his third start for Walsh, Belord beat Worldly Wise by four lengths under Kevin Coleman.

"He'll go for a winners' race next and judging by the way he won there a longer trip would suit him," said Walsh.

British rider Alex Dunn aboard Mantell got the better of her compatriot Lorna Brooke on Brave Heart to score by four-and-a-half lengths.

"Alex gave the horse a brilliant ride, she did exactly as she was told by sitting in and waiting," Walsh added.< Carloswayback the 5-6 favourite, confirmed the promise of his debut in a Leopardstown bumper in February to take the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle in grand style.

James Nolan, brother of winning trainer Paul, said: "We think a fair bit of him. We didn't plan to come here today but when we saw the race we said we'd let him take his chance.

"I know it would be a huge step-up but the Royal Bond or the Navan novice hurdle are options for him now."

Returning after 238 days, Flemensford (9-1) stayed on dourly to head False Messenger and score by two and a half lengths in the Newton Abbot Races Handicap Hurdle.

"He was good and fit coming here and we'll try and win another hurdle with him," said winning trainer Eric McNamara.