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.

THE Robert Tyner-trained Kashnito D'Hommee landed a little touch in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Thurles yesterday.

HEDGEHUNTER, last year’s John Smith’s Grand National hero, will share joint top weight of 11st 12lb following the news that 96 horses stand their ground at the second forfeit stage for next month’s renewal of the Aintree marathon.

Jazz Messenger – a winner on Derby Day in 2003 for Gerard Butler – floored hot favourite No Where To Hyde in the Haydock Park & Newcastle Racecourses Hurdle at Navan.