LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

FOLLOWING the elation and devastation of Cheltenham, Joseph O’brien might double-up with Little Light and Top Moon in Limerick today.

O’brien won yesterday’s Cheltenham Festival finale with Early Doors after being left devastated when Sir Erec had to be euthanised after suffering an injury during the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Today, Top Moon, well-touted and sent off 11/8 favourite for his debut in a four-year-old bumper at Naas in early January the Spanish Moon gelding, owned by J P Mcmanus, failed by just a short-head to cope with Aliym.

Joseph O’brien gave him valuable hurdle experience in his only subsequent start, in a listed novice hurdle at Punchestown. Although beaten almost 11 lengths, Top Moon acquitted himself well in finishing third behind 128-rated Sinoria and Chosen Mate, which went on to win a Grade 2 at Naas.

Clearly anxious to retain Top Moon’s novice status for next season, he’s back in bumper company today in the Racing Again Tomorrow (Pro-am) 4-Y-0 Flat Race. And he’ll be very tough to beat.

Earlier, the J J Slevin-ridden Little Light, runner-up to Black Tears at Fairyhouse last time, form boosted by the winner’s creditable fourth at Cheltenham on Thursday.

This Walk In The Park mare, a former point-to-pointer, appears to be improving with every run and has a great chance here to open her racecourse account.