RACING: Trainer Ted Walsh will leave it until later in the week before making a decision on Papillon's participation in the Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree on April 5th.
The 12-year-old, winner of the Aintree showpiece in 2000, finished 12th of 14 runners in the Punchestown Event Centre Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday.
Walsh said: "We'll make a decision about Aintree later in the week but we had no joy with him today."
The two-and-a-half mile race was won by Jeff De Chalamont, who was topping off a memorable week for trainer Jessica Harrington, trainer of Wednesday's Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Moscow Flyer and Saturday's Midlands Grand National victor Intelligent.
Monty's Pass remains a possible Aintree contender despite finishing last of four runners in the Locks Restaurant Novice Hurdle.
Jockey Paul Carberry said: "He needed the run and will come on for it."
Willie Mullins has confirmed his stable star Florida Pearl will not run in the National. But the 11-year-old, who finished eighth behind Moscow Flyer at the Festival, may still be aimed at the meeting as he won the Martell Cup Chase there last season. Mullins confirmed: "He may travel to Aintree but not for the Grand National. He came back fine from Cheltenham and we'll look at the other options at Liverpool."
David Halley stole the limelight on day one of the Limerick Bank Holiday fixture when successful on his first ride as newcomer Kald River easily landed the valuable Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Flat Race.
Halley (16), whose father John is the vet for Aidan O'Brien's string at Ballydoyle and in whose colours the Pat Doyle-trained gelding ran, sent the four-year-old to the front over half a mile out to beat Candy Girl by 12 lengths.
Be My Belle failed to live up to expectations in the featured Dawn Run EBF Mares Novice Chase, with rider Barry Geraghty later reporting that the ground (officially soft) was not testing enough for Sean Treacy's charge.
Princess Symphony asserted between the final two fences in the straight for a 14-length victory, and trainer Eamonn Sheehy said: "I have no real plan but she may go to Aintree for a three-mile novice."
Davy Russell made a fleeting visit from Britain worthwhile when recording a double aboard Dusseldorf and Sir Ryco. Dusseldorf readily landed the opening two-mile maiden hurdle, going clear after three out to beat Seagull Eile by seven lengths. Trainer Austin Leahy said: "I bred her and also have three half-brothers at home. Credit to Davy as he has lovely hands, and got her to settle and jump well."
Mark Madden was found guilty of making insufficient effort on eighth placed Arachine, and was suspended for three days (26th, 29th and 30th March).
Russell had to work harder on Sir Ryco in the three-mile Mullins Electrical Handicap Hurdle, but Danny O'Connell's charge stayed on gamely for a two-length verdict over Amandas Princess.
"The blinkers helped him to concentrate, and I was happy he would stay this trip after running well over two and a half miles at Thurles last time. Davy said he would jump a fence no bother," said O'Connell.
Tom Taaffe is considering a trip to Aintree next month with Emotional Moment after his prominent showing in the Coral Cup. The Co Kildare handler was speaking after Solar System had justified odds-on support in the Limerick Easter Homes And Garden Exhibition Maiden Hurdle.
