Racing: Noel Meade will keep an eye on the weather before firming up plans for his Christmas Hurdle winner Harchibald. The enigmatic ten-year-old has had his knockers over the past few seasons following his memorable defeat in the 2005 Champion Hurdle, but secured his fifth Grade One success at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
Meade reports his charge to have come out of the race in fine form and the Toshiba Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown could now be on agenda — if the ground is not too testing.
"He was a little bit stiff after the run but that is normal for him and he is absolutely fine again now," said Meade. "We were obviously delighted with him that day and when the ground is right, it takes a good one to beat him.
"The Irish Champion is a possible but we will see what the ground is like — the ground is the key to him.
"Again if the ground is right he will more than likely got to Cheltenham for the Champion Hurdle after that."
Harchibald is a best-price 20-1 for the Champion Hurdle in March.