Roche stars kept under wraps until Christmas

RACING/NEWS: Christy Roche has confirmed that his stable stars Like-A-Butterfly and Bannow Bay will not race until Christmas.

The Festival Hurdle is Like-A-Butterfly's target as Roche continues her preparation for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

The JP McManus-owned mare hasn't been seen out since Punchestown in April, but the recent bad weather hasn't interrupted her training programme.

"The idea is still to run Like-A-Butterfly at Christmas. She's fine and we're hoping for the best," the Curragh trainer said yesterday.

Things are not working out though as smoothly for the Stayers Hurdle runner-up Bannow Bay.

The horse hasn't had a race since that narrow Cheltenham defeat by Baracouda and it doesn't look like he will have an outing now before the Woodies DIY Hurdle over the holiday.

"I want to get a run into him but it looks like we're struggling. He has been off a long time now but even so he will run at Christmas," said Roche, who added that he hopes to run Youlneverwalkalone in a winners of one race at Thurles next week.

Before that, Roche will be focusing on Le Coudray's attempt on the Pierse Drinmore Novices Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Midweek domestic action returns at Thurles today where the ex-Aidan O'Brien-trained Bringontheclowns makes his jumping debut in the three-year-old maiden.

Barry Geraghty takes the ride on the horse and, on flat ability alone, the former champion will be hopeful of getting into the winning mood ahead of his Hattons Grace date with Limestone Lad on Sunday.

Bringontheclowns won off a mark of 97 at Listowel in September and even just an adequate round of jumping should see him through here.

The Limestone Lad colours will be carried by Solerina in the novices hurdle and the followers of Pizarro will be hoping for a good run from the mare.

Scarthy Lad's winning debut was so impressive last spring that a Fairyhouse third afterwards was almost a disappointment. Conor O'Dwyer takes the ride on his hurdling debut today and looks to be in with a winning shout.

Lincam has finished runner-up at Navan and Down Royal in her last two starts but looks to have secured a winning opportunity in the bumper.