RACING: Fota Island, boasting more than respectable form in the best of company, was expected to make the most of a drop in class in the featured Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle at Thurles yesterday.

Odds-on backers were left disappointed, though, as the Mouse Morris-trained gelding, who led from before the fifth, couldn't raise his effort as the tempo quickened in the straight.

Chief rival Stacumny Bridge proved well-up to taking his chance, quickening well to hit the front before the last in the hands of Timmy Murphy, and lengthening away in good style on the run in for a length and a half success.

Winning handler Michael Halford said: "He wants further, and the longer the race went on today the better he was going. He's not an easy horse to place and I'm looking forward to sending him chasing next season."

Another trainer more closely associated with racing on the level, Ger Lyons was on the mark with Pedina in the following maiden hurdle. Ruby Walsh was aboard the 6 to 1 shot who disposed of the favourite, Boleyknowsbest, by four and a half lengths.

Lyons said afterwards: "I think the world of this horse but he disappointed when I strongly fancied him at Cork last Sunday. That run was too bad to be true and now hopefully he can be placed to win a novice event."

Despite being pitted against some experienced rivals in the opening handicap chase, Lime Supreme looked to have a strong chance on her initial start in this grade. Soon in front under Shay Barry, the Eamonn Sheehy-trained mare had this contest won some way from home, crossing the line an easy nine length victor.

Hume Castle mightn't have been as emphatic when scoring in the other chase on the programme, but Jessica Harrington's charge put up a good performance nonetheless. Shouldering top-weight under Barry Geraghty, the well-backed second favourite was a comfortable winner at the line.

Niall Madden won the bumper for the second day running aboard Noel Meade's newcomer, Lance.