Limestone Lad Is Cheltenham Doubt Limestone Lad is a serious doubt for this years' Cheltenham Festival due to the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle contender developing a cough.He will miss his prep-run in the McCabe Builders Ltd Boyne Hurdle at Navan this weekend, thus cutting short his time to reach peak fitness to just two weeks.Michael Bowe, who looks after the prolific winner, revealed on Tuesday: 'We thought that he was a bit dull in himself on Monday evening and during a routine canter on Tuesday morning he let out a couple of coughs. He has never coughed in his life before. 'On subsequent veterinary examination our worst fears were confirmed and we immediately decided to proceed with a course of antibiotics.' Bowe added: 'My plan had been to work him after racing at the Leopardstown meeting on March 2 and if he is to make the Stayers' he needs to get to the track that day. If he doesn't, or he doesn't satisfy me in the work-out, then Cheltenham is gone for another year. 'I feel I am cursed. We missed out two years ago because of foot and mouth, and last year he got injured. My biggest fear now is that Solerina will get it too. I am keeping them isolated from each other and hoping for the best.' Bookmaker reaction to the news was swift and both Chronicle and Paddy Power shortened Baracouda in to 7-4 clear favouritism for the Stayers Crown. The former eased Limestone Lad out half a point to 5-2.
