LAD SAILS THROUGH PREP

Limestone Lad warmed up for another crack at the Bonusprint Stayers` Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when repeating last year`s victory in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan this afternoon.

Taken to the front from the start by rider Shane McGovern, the 2-9 favourite had only to be shaken up to see off the sustained challenge of top-weight Boss Doyle after Catch Ball had come down two out when getting into contention.

'Limestone Lad was super over the last four hurdles when he heard a bit of company coming,' said McGovern.

'He is relaxing more in his races now and I was very happy with his performance.'

Owner-trainer Jim Bowe`s son Michael who prepares the horse at home revealed that he had left something to work on in the build-up to the Festival.

'He is not as fit as he was this day last year, but he is well in himself which is more important and we have time now to work on his fitness for the Stayers` Hurdle,' Bowe jnr said.

Charlie Swan, who partnered runner-up Boss Doyle, added: 'We went some pace all the way and my horse galloped to the line.'

Limestone Lad may not have been as impressive as when winning the three-mile race much more readily last year, but he remains a rock-solid favourite to improve on last season`s second to Bacchanal in the championship event at the Festival.

Coral keep him as the 4-1 favourite ahead of 6-1 shot Anzum.

Arctic Copper, winner of the maiden hurdle at the meeting last year, was also an odds-on scorer to book his passage to Cheltenham for local trainer Noel Meade.

However the 2-5 chance had his task eased when the front-running Malabar crashed at the 11th fence, broke his shoulder and had to be put down.

Arctic Copper will take his chance in the Royal and SunAlliance Novice Chase for owners, the Grand Alliance Racing Club, comprised of a cross-party group of members of the Government.