The curtain came down after 130 years of racing at the Greenpark venue in Limerick City yesterday when a crowd of 2,800 turned out for the final fixture.

It was appropriate that the feature event - the Hugh McMahon Memorial Hurdle - was run in honour of the former chairman, who played a prominent role for many years at the course. The two-mile event produced an impressive winner in Golden Rule.

The Frances Crowley-trained colt quickened clear off the home bend under Garrett Cotter to beat Royal Marine by 20 lengths. "My horses have been suffering from a virus but they seem to be getting over it and are looking much better recently," said the winning trainer, who nominated the Glenlivet Hurdle at Aintree and the Murphys at Punchestown as possible targets for her charge.

Edward O'Grady is also planning to bring Sheltering to Aintree next month for a novice hunters' chase on Grand National day after the Strong Gale gelding gained a bloodless victory in the Spaights Timber Preservatives Hunters' Chase. Philip Fenton's mount made all the running and was left clear in the final half mile to readily justify evens favouritism.

Jimmy Mangan saddled a double - both ridden by Jason Titley - with Glacial Sygnet and Ajar. The latter will head next for the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse after an easy win in the Dawn Milk Beginners Chase.

Local trainer Michael Hourigan, who saddled his first winner at the track 20 years ago, summed up the mood of many, saying: "It is sad to see the course close down but we are looking forward to a much better replacement," referring to the new development at Patrickswell, which is due to open later next year.