RACING: Limestone Lad is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a freak accident which makes him extremely doubtful for Cheltenham.

One of Ireland's most popular racehorses injured his back when becoming entangled in some paddock railing at his owner-trainer James Bowe's farm in Co Tipperary.

Limestone Lad been let out for his customary half hour in a paddock on Monday when he rolled and turned into the timber fencing, getting his legs trapped in the process.

"I heard a racket, went out and there were bits of rail flying. I tried to help him as much as I could but really he kicked his way out. He walked back in but I knew he wasn't right and he has damaged some back muscles," Bowe's son Michael said yesterday.

"Going into the paddock is something he always does. It keeps him fresh and interested.

He likes to roll and if its not in the paddock he might do it in his box where he could cast himself.

"There were some tears flowing last night. He is so involved in our lives that he is part of the family now. I hate to think what it will be like when he is gone. But the vet is quite optimistic and given time, he is confident there will be a full recovery," Bowe added.

Limestone Lad won the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle at Naas on Saturday and had been due to run next in Navan's Boyne Hurdle.

That is now out of the question and another tilt at the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle also must be very doubtful. "I don't want to sound pessimistic but Cheltenham is looking doubtful.

"Even if he was right in three weeks' time, that would still mean him missing three weeks which is no preparation for Cheltenham," Bowe remarked.

Bookmakers have now taken Limestone Lad out of their ante-post markets for the Festival.

The horse had been as low as 5 to 1 second favourite for the Stayers' Hurdle, a race in which he was runner-up to Bacchanal two years ago.

News of the injury has resulted in the hot favourite for the Stayers', Baracouda, hardening even further in the betting.

"I suppose it could be worse," Bowe conceded yesterday. "Initially we thought the worst. He could easily have broken a leg or done some serious damage. It was just a freak accident and afterwards I think he was in a state of shock. We had to sedate him to keep him calm.

"But he is much better now. He is still looking for his grub and is looking out over the stable door again.

"The good thing is that he is a fantastic healer and he is getting the very best of attention."

That will include a photo-scan on his back next week which should give a bigger insight into the extent of the muscle damage.

"He should fully recover in time but having missed Cheltenham last year because of the cancellation, I'm devastated that we might not make it this year either, particular for all the people in the locality who have booked trips to the Festival,"Bowe said.

Powers bet: 4/5 Baracouda, 9/2 Jair Du Cochet, 5 Bannow Bay, 9 Liss A Paoraigh, 14 Bar.