The final Irish score at the Festival was a relatively disappointing three winners after a blank day yesterday. Limestone Lad was the popular Irish choice in the Stayers' Hurdle but although he burned off most of the field from the front, Bacchanal proved too persistent for James Bowe's charismatic runner.

Limestone Lad rallied in the closing stages having been headed on the turn-in but Bacchanal held on by a length and then survived an objection from Limestone Lad's rider Shane McGovern.

"He's run his heart out and there's not a bother on him," said Bowe who dismissed reports that Limestone Lad had not settled in at the racecourse. Talk is talk. He's done nothing at all wrong and I'm very proud of him."

Bacchanal's rider Mick Fitzgerald completed his grip on the leading rider award for the second year running when Stormyfairweather again won the Catchart under a typically shrewd drive from the Irishman.

Norman Williamson received at least marginal compensation for missing out on Looks Like Trouble when Samakaan justified favouritism in the Grand Annual and didn't the rider enjoy it, repeatedly punching the air as he passed the post.

"This horse is only a novice but Norman said he had to say `whoa, whoa' to him because he was jumping so well," said Samakaan's trainer Venetia Williams who was enjoying her first Festival success.

Irish hopes in the Foxhunters were diminished when Sheltering fell and although It's Himself threatened early in the straight, the race ultimately went to Cavalero who finished like a sprinter to beat Real Value.

It was the French rather than Irish that scored in the Triumph Hurdle when Snow Drop earned a 33 to 1 quote for next year's Champion Hurdle after coming home the clear winner for Francois Doumen and his jockey son Thierry.

"Nothing will ever cap this day, it's amazing, and a lovely moment for me and my father," said Doumen Jnr.

Jonjo O'Neill's Master Tern, in the colours of JP McManus, became the main choice in the getting out stakes, the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle and did ultimately win.

However, it had looked unlikely from as soon as half-way and the finish looked set to have huge Irish interest with Moving On Up, Afarad and in particular Spokesman all in contention in the straight. However, Tony Dobbin kept getting a response from Master Tern and he led after the last to hold the late, late challenge of Danegold.