Miss hits the Limerick target

Missunited got back on the winning trail after a thrilling climax to the Kerry Group EBF Mares Novice Hurdle at Limerick.

Mick Winters' talented mare won four races on the spin in the space of a month last summer and was then a good second in the Irish Cesarewitch.

She disappointed on her jumps return at Down Royal in early November, but was not disgraced following a winter break when fourth in last month's Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Back against her own sex for this Grade Three contest, Missunited was an 11/8 second favourite behind Twigline, representing the Cheltenham Festival's leading trainer and jockey Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.

Barry Geraghty went for home first aboard Missunited, but Walsh covered his move aboard the even-money market leader and the grey took a narrow lead on touching down after the final obstacle.

It was nip and tuck all the way up the run-in, but Missunited won the argument by half a length.

Winters said: "It was a ding-dong battle between two top men and there was no quarter given. She jumped fantastic during the week and again here.

"I was more confident early in the week but the ground was terrible and she will be better on better ground. She will be entered in a Grade One at Fairyhouse and then Punchestown as well."

The second Grade Three of the afternoon was the ITBA Fillies Scheme EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase, which went to the Noel Kelly-trained Charlie's Vic.

Avondhu Lady led from the home turn, but Charlie's Vic (5/1) reeled her in on the run-in and got up by a neck under a fine ride from Derek Fox.

County Derry-based Kelly said: "The plan was to run in this race after she won her beginners chase. She jumped well and she probably needs three miles, even though she is only a six-year-old.

"Fairyhouse is only two weeks away and that might be a bit sharp for her."

Mullins and Walsh predictably found the target as Djakadam had little trouble justifying odds of 1/6 in the Limerick Races Congratulate World Hurdle Winner Solwhit Hurdle.

Courage, a long way behind Djakadam at Gowran Park last month, made more of a race of it on this occasion, but was still seven lengths behind at the line.

Walsh said: "He beat Courage plenty far the last day, so he was entitled to do it again. He can't do any more than win, I suppose.

"I'd imagine he'll step up in class now. He was bought to be a chaser and that's what he will do."

Unoccupied (6/1) ran out a 12-length winner of the Newton Abbot Racecourse Handicap Hurdle for Edward O'Grady and Mark Enright.

The Charles Byrnes-trained Whiskey Hall was a heavily-backed 2/1 favourite on his first start since finishing second in this race a year ago, but once again had to make do with the runner-up spot.

O'Grady said: "He's in at Mallow (Cork) on Thursday in a handicap hurdle and his 4lb penalty for winning here will leave him just 1lb out of the handicap.

"Provided he comes out of this race well, he'll go there next."

Andrew McNamara guided 9/10 favourite He's Our Man to victory in the Charleville Cheese Beginners Chase for Curragh handler Ross O'Sullivan, while Mark Me Up (4/1) did the business in the Friends Of Liam Hogan Handicap Chase.