HORSE RACING: Michael Bowe insisted yesterday he has no regrets about not entering Limestone Lad in Cheltenham's Smurfit Champion Hurdle.
The popular gelding failed by just a head to Like-A-Butterfly in an epic tussle for Sunday's AIG Hurdle over two miles, but Bowe, son of permit holder James Bowe, remains convinced the Stayers' Hurdle is the ideal festival target.
"I've said all along that two miles around Leopardstown in January has very little in common with Cheltenham in mid-March. They are two totally different types of races in my opinion. I have no regrets about the Champion Hurdle. I'm sure the mare will run a cracker in it, but after they passed the post on Sunday I could see Limestone taking the bit and getting ready to go again," Bowe said.
Both Limestone Lad and his stable companion Solerina emerged unscathed from their races on Sunday, and the latter is likely to run next in the Deloitte & Touche.
"She really enjoyed herself and has come out of it really well. He fought a great battle and licked his pot afterwards. I played it down before the race, but in the back of my mind I knew he would give one of his better performances," Bowe added.
Like-A-Butterfly has also emerged well from the AIG and her stable companion Bannow Bay could be the one to tackle Limestone Lad next in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan.
"He had mucus in his throat after running at Christmas and the Boyne would be an option," said trainer Christy Roche yesterday. "Le Coudray will go next in the Dr PJ Moriarty at Leopardstown. They all had a little break after Christmas and he has done exceptionally well since," he added.
Roche also said he expects Like-A-Butterfly to run in the Champion Hurdle, but added a significant ground proviso. "She is at her best on soft. If Cheltenham turned up dry then there would have to be a doubt about her running. That would be the only reason she wouldn't run," Roche explained.
Today's action is at Tramore, where the JP McManus colours can also enter the winner's enclosure aboard Rob The Five in the bumper.Arthur Moore's hope is returning from jumping hurdles and was attempting a tough task behind the SunAlliance hope Hi Cloy at Leopardstown last time. The forecast "heavy" going should suit.
Moore and McManus also hook up for the Pierse Hurdle failure Farinel who goes in the Beginners Chase against the Galway Hurdle winner Say Again. The value of the race, however, could be Garvivonnian who caught a rare one at Gowran last week behind Doora Volunteer.
The Clare trainer Donie Hassett has his string in fine form and he brings the course and distance winner Baron Aron back for a crack at the novice hurdle. The 110-rated Uncle Murt looks a vulnerable rival.
Nina Carberry is a significant booking for Alpha Eight, third to Baron Aron last time, in the ladies race while Hidden Genius looks the safe option in the opener.
