Tom Foley hopes to have Danoli back for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February. After saddling Innovative Step to land the Weatherbys Ireland Maiden Hurdle at Naas on Saturday, he said of his stable star: "His leg is improving very well and we'll wait until the end of the month to scan him again. He won't be back for Christmas but hopefully for the Hennessy."

Shane McGovern, who partnered the 11 to 2 chance, went on to record the first double of his career when he made all aboard top-weight Limestone Lad in the Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle. "He's as tough as they come and he was as better today than ever. We'll stick to hurdling with him for the moment," said the winner's trainer, James Bowe.

The Quinns Of Naas Novice Chase turned into a damp squib when slight odds-on chance To Your Honour crashed at the first fence. His exit left market rival Strong Run and Jason Titley to lead the way at a very sedate pace before scoring cheekily by three lengths.

"It's nice to get paid for schooling," remarked winning trainer John Fowler. "I very nearly wasn't going to run him because he hates that ground. I'm glad I did now but his job was made easier when the other horse went out."