RACING NEWS: Limestone Lad's injury problems mean the Irish focus for the Stayers' Hurdle centres even more on Bannow Bay, and Christy Roche reports the horse on track for the Boyne Hurdle at Navan on February 17th.

Bannow Bay dramatically got the better of Limestone Lad at Leopardstown over Christmas and is now a 5 to 1 third favourite for the Stayers' crown at Cheltenham.

Yesterday Roche said: "My horse was always going to Navan. It's the only trial left for a stayer in Ireland unless you are prepared to have a horse hump a lot of weight. I don't like doing that."

Before that Roche will have a major interest in the top novice event, the Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday week. "I plan to run three. Youlneverwalkalone is in good form at the moment and I also hope to run Silver Steel and Risk Accessor," he said.

Another leading Moriarty contender will be Colonel Braxton, and his trainer Dessie Hughes said yesterday: "Over three miles the last day, he just got tired. Two miles and five should be ideal and Kieran (Kelly) will ride."

Meanwhile, Willie Mullins gave an upbeat report yesterday on Florida Pearl and Alexander Banquet as they prepare for Sunday week's Hennessy.