Limestone Lad set to bypass set for Naas run

Limestone Lad looks likely to bypass the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle later this month according to Michael Bowe, son of trainer James.

The prolific 10-year-old, who notched the 35th win of his career in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday, seems more likely to head for the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle at Naas in his build up to Cheltenham.

Such a switch would avoid a clash with stablemate Solerina, winner of the paddypower.com Future Champions Novice Hurdle at the same track on Sunday.

Bowe reports the pair to be well and he underlined the pair will be kept apart in their future races.

Bowe jnr said: “Solerina has come out well from her race at Leopardstown on Sunday and could go for the Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday.

“However, the likely heavy ground wouldn’t be to her advantage and she may wait for the Irish Champion Hurdle later this month.

“If she runs in this race she won’t meet Limestone Lad. I wouldn’t like the pair of them in opposition.”

Bowe added: “Limestone Lad is more likely to run in the Bank of Ireland Hurdle at Naas the previous day to the Leopardstown contest and after that he will go for the Boyne Hurdle at Navan as a final prep race for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.”