Lad in the limelight

Having tasted defeat when 7-4 on in a hurdle race at Cork two weeks ago, Limestone Lad made a winning return at 9-4 on for his chase debut yesterday. With Native Dara one of three non-runners, Limestone Lad made all in a 2m5f novice chase to score by three and a half lengths, despite making a mess of the final obstacle.

Having tasted defeat when 7-4 on in a hurdle race at Cork two weeks ago, Limestone Lad made a winning return at 9-4 on for his chase debut yesterday. With Native Dara one of three non-runners, Limestone Lad made all in a 2m5f novice chase to score by three and a half lengths, despite making a mess of the final obstacle.

The François Doumen-trained First Gold has been backed into 25-1 with William Hill for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The seven-year-old, who gave weight and a four-length beating to top performer Al Capone at Auteuil nine days ago, is being targeted first at the King George VI Chase at Kempton.