Meade’s law

One of Ireland’s greatest-ever trainers will be hoping to reap the rewards that have been frustratingly elusive at Cheltenham, writes Pat Keane.

YOU would have thought Hill Society’s short head defeat to Champleve in the 1998 Arkle Trophy represented Noel Meade’s worst day at Cheltenham.

Yesterday, on the eve of the Prestbury Park extravaganza, the brilliant Co Meath handler had to harbour the notion he is heading to heartbreak hill.