The featured Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown on Saturday was robbed of much of its interest when Knife Edge was declared a non-runner. There is a sale pending on the top class five-year-old, who will remain with Michael O'Brien. In his absence, Limestone Lad was left with a relatively straightforward task .

The successful eight-year-old was definitely travelling the better when the challenging Pippin's Ford departed the scene at the third last .

However, Barry Cash's mount made a horrendous blunder at the second last. He was soon back on an even keel, though, and he eventually came home by 15 lengths from Generosa.

That was Limestone Lad's fourth victory from as many starts over the larger obstacles and he will now be prepared for the Pierse Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse on December 3rd .

"He was jumping great with horses around him, but he was on his own when he made the mistake, " said Cash, who had earlier collected the novice hurdle with Royal Plaisir. Trained by Arthur Moore, Royal Plaisir won more comfortably than the official winning margin of two and a half lengths would suggest.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Moscow Flyer had little more than an exercise canter when justifying 2 to 5 favouritism in the Grade Two Morgiana Hurdle. Partnered by Paul Moloney in place of the suspended Barry Geraghty, Moscow Flyer sauntered clear after the penultimate flight and, whilst idling close home, wasn't unduly troubled to account for Samapour by three and a half lengths.

"I like the way that he quickened up after the second last. It's a relief that it's over and we will now go for the Hattons Grace hurdle over two and a half miles at Fairyhouse in a fortnight's time," said Mrs Harrington. Noel Meade's Billy Bonnie was most impressive when landing the juvenile hurdle under Charlie Swan .

The winner occupied a prominent position throughout and effortlessly forged clear from before the last to oblige by six lengths. The Philip Fenton-ridden Endless Magic bounced back from a disappointing effort at Galway last time when leading from two out to triumph in the handicap hurdle six lengths from Commanche Lodge.

Endless Magic's trainer Edward O'Grady was in understandably jubilant form afterwards as the horse is owned by his Geneva-based son Jonathan.

Mark Madden teamed up with Tony Mullins to take the handicap chase with lightweight Be Home Early; and Soltero just edged out Pietro Vanucci in a pulsating finale to the bumper to complete a double for Jessica Harrington.