LIMESTONE ON COURSE FOR STAYERS` DATE Limestone Lad is joint-favourite at 5-1 with Cork bookmakers Cashmans for the Bonusprint Stayers` Hurdle at Cheltenham after a successful return to hurdling as an odds-on favourite at Naas today. Starting 1-3, the top weight had no difficulty in repeating last year`s victory in the Bank of Ireland Hurdle when reunited with conditional jockey Shane McGovern. The combination, runner-up to Bacchanal in last season`s Stayers` Hurdle, is on target for another crack at the Cheltenham showpiece according to McGovern. 'Early on in the race, he was looking after himself as he seemed unsure as to whether he should be jumping a fence or a hurdle. 'But he let fly two out and the race was over in a matter of strides. I am delighted with the run and looking forward to Cheltenham again.' he said. Owner-trainer Jim Bowe`s son Michael, who looks after the horse, added: 'He was idling in front but has had only one pop over hurdles since he stopped jumping fences and he will improve again fitness-wise for his next run at Navan in the Boyne Hurdle.' Limestone Lad again made all the running and briefly the eventual runner-up Slaney Native threatened off the last bend until McGovern let his mount open up two out to win by six lengths. Bookmakers Sean Graham tightened the winner a point to 4-1 for the Stayers` Hurdle. Sackville was also a runaway odds-on winner of the preceding Gowla Novice Chase and will reappear in eight days` time at Leopardstown in the Moriarty Chase before going for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase for which Cashmans quote him the 6-1 second favourite behind Bacchanal (3-1). The eight-year-old took the three-mile event by 12 lengths in the hands of Barry Geraghty.
