Limestone Lad ran his rivals into the ground with a brave all-the-way success in the Ballymore Properties Hatton`s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.
James Bowe`s remarkably tough nine-year-old took the scalp of the mighty Istabraq in this Grade One contest in 1999 and Paul Carberry soon had him in his customary position at the head of affairs this time around.
Carberry`s mount ended Ned Kelly`s unbeaten record on his last start over two miles but Edward O`Grady`s charge reopposed again today over the half-mile longer trip and was sent off favourite to gain his revenge.
Norman Williamson on Ned Kelly sat in behind with Tony McCoy on Liss A Paoraigh (7-2) also in close attention as the leader bowled along in front.
Carberry asked Limestone Lad (9-4) to really stretch approaching the fourth-last although his two pursuers still looked to be going ominously well turning for home.
But the pressure soon began to tell on Ned Kelly and he dropped away leaving McCoy to throw down the gauntlet to Limestone Lad at the final flight.
It looked for a brief moment that McCoy`s mare might repeat her Navan victory over Bowe`s gelding but, Limestone Lad dug deep to pass the post three and a half lengths to the good.
Ned Kelly, who was sent off at 2-1, could manage only third.