NOEL MEADE will keep an eye on the weather before firming up plans for his Christmas Hurdle winner Harchibald.

The enigmatic 10-year-old secured his fifth Grade One success at Kempton on St Stephen's Day and the Navan trainer 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.

"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 go to Cheltenham for the Champion Hurdle after that." Harchibald is a best-price 20 to 1 for the Champion Hurdle in March.

Meade reports Aran Concerto to be nearing a return to the racecourse as he recovers from a slight setback.