It's a case of "as you were" for Limestone Lad who comfortably won at Navan yesterday and remains a 4 to 1 favourite for Cheltenham's Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle.

Just like last year the James Bowe-trained star made all to win the McCabe Boyne Hurdle and the three-mile race will again be his last start before carrying a multitude of Irish hopes at the festival.

The Shane McGoven-ridden horse put an easy three and a half lengths between himself and Boss Doyle and afterwards Michael Bowe said: "He's blowing a bit and is not as fit as he was last year but we'll give him a spin at Leopardstown at the start of March and that'll have him spot on."

There were some who felt Limestone Lad was a less emphatic winner this time and that maybe Catch Ball, who was still travelling well when falling at the second last, could have given him a race but both McGovern and Bowe were inclined to put it down to idleness.

"He couldn't hear the others for most of the race but when he heard Boss Doyle coming to him he winged the last three hurdles," Michael Bowe said.

Golden Storm's defeat of the odds-on Fruit Defendu in the opener had little Triumph Hurdle significance since the winner doesn't hold a Cheltenham entry and the latest Willie Mullins bumper favourite Hedgehunter got turned over in the last by Beausheram.

However, Arctic Copper was cut to 20 to 1 for the SunAlliance Chase after landing the novice chase and keeping the Cheltenham dream alive for the Grand Alliance Racing Club.

The Club is made up of 17 politicians, including a number of current cabinet Ministers, and yesterday the Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowan, the Sports Minister Jim McDaid and former PD leader Des O'Malley were present to watch the Noel Meadetrained winner. "They're mad to go to Cheltenham!" confirmed Meade.