Limestone Lad took another notable scalp when ending Ned Kelly's winning run in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.
In a race that seemed destined to go Ned Kelly's way when he jumped into a two-length lead at the last, 9-2 chance Limestone Lad suddenly found an extra gear on the run-in to hit the front close home for a cheeky half-length success in the hands of the season's leading rider Paul Carberry.
Despite meeting Limestone Lad on 7lb worse terms than if they ran in a handicap, Ned Kelly, unbeaten in seven starts over hurdles, started even-money favourite with Youlneverwalkalone next on 9-4.
As usual Limestone Lad set off in front but Norman Williamson had Ned Kelly breathing down his neck from halfway in the two-mile contest and the pair were never threatened by Youlneverwalkalone as they faced the final flight.
Williamson had Ned Kelly just in front at the last where the second-season performer appeared to have taken the measure of Carberry's mount with a better jump.
Williamson attempted to seal the issue with a couple of slaps of the whip but Carberry's never-say-die approach and the courage of his mount saw Limestone Lad succeeding at the minimum trip for the first time since the same race two years ago.
"We'll meet again in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse," remarked Ned Kelly's trainer Edward O'Grady, who did not wish to comment further on the outcome.
Carberry, successful in the opener on Missing You Too (6-1), said: "Limestone Lad didn't do a stroke for me until he was headed. He loved a battle though."
Owner, trainer and breeder James Bowe enthused: "Our horse is getting fit now.
Once he got his second wind he battled back which is typical of the breed.
"He has the pace for two miles in this soft ground and we will look forward now to Fairyhouse in a fortnight."
Limestone Lad's remarkable tally now is 26 victories, which includes defeating the mighty Istabraq in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle in 1999, from 50 career starts and the nine-year-old has earned over £380,000 in win and place money.
William Hill eased Ned Kelly to 10-1 from 6-1 for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle while Ladbrokes go 12-1 from 8-1.