Students study all but the form as Principle rules in feature race

High heels, low-cut dresses, high levels of alcohol consumed, low levels of tolerance among the hardcore racing fans, high screeching, low water intake – welcome to Limerick's student raceday, where 7,000 scholars study everything but form. The occasion remains as popular as ever. Indeed, another 3,000 tickets could have been sold only for safety concerns.

The feature Grade 3 Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase was always in safe hands. General Principle, rated 140 and sent off the 4-5 favourite, stamped his class on the race turning for home and he stretched six and a half lengths clear of Twiss's Hill under a confident Bryan Cooper. It was never in doubt.

It might have been a mediocre Grade 3 on a damp Thursday at Limerick but it was still a further €25,075 into the kitty for Gordon Elliott, who remains 1-4 favourite with Paddy Power to win the Irish trainers' championship for the first time.