Accordion Etoile is to be retired after failing to recapture his Grade One sparkle in recent seasons.

AL EILE is one of several classy National Hunt performers among the 42 entries for the Crosssmaglen Benefit Night Race over a mile and a half at Dundalk on Friday.

"Denmania" swept Newbury on Saturday as last season’s top novice emerged as the leading threat to stablemate Kauto Star’s dominance of the staying division.

Noel Meade is adamant the rejuvenated Harchibald has no aversion to the stamina-sapping incline at Cheltenham.

NOEL MEADE is “pretty certain” the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle will be Aran Concerto’s target at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

HARCHIBALD pleased trainer Noel Meade in a workout at Navan yesterday but a decision on whether he returns to action the the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran on Saturday will not be made until later in the week.

NOEL MEADE’S Iktitaf, Harchibald and Jazz Messenger are all on course for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, with the latter most likely to contest the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 28.

JUSTIFIED will attempt to get his career back on track when tackling two and a half miles for the first time in the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.