Dunguib hits the ground running on Naas return

Dunguib was a highly-encouraging third on his first run for 1040 days as Rule The World took the honours in the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas.

Bryan Cooper made all of the running on the Mouse Morris-trained 5-4 favourite for his bosses, Gigginstown House Stud, to convincingly land the Grade Three contest, in which Jennies Jewel was second.

However, most eyes were on Dunguib as Philip Fenton’s 2009 Cheltenham champion bumper hero made a pleasing comeback.

Sidelined since finishing unplaced in the 2011 Champion Hurdle, the 11-year-old was held up in the rear by Brian O’Connell before making progress, which he maintained to the line, in the straight.

Fenton said: “I expected him to get tired sooner. Hopefully he’ll be OK in the morning and the Red Mills at Gowran (February 15th) is a possibility.”

Morris said of the winner: “The ground and making the running were not ideal, but it was a good performance.

“He’ll now go straight for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham.”