Harchibald ‘in very good shape’

HARCHIBALD has returned home to his County Meath base in good health after firmly establishing himself as the leading candidate for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle in March.

Noel Meade’s charge was the only horse capable of pegging back Rooster Booster after he opened up an almost unassailable lead in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Sunday.

Speaking from Leopardstown, Meade said: “He seems to be in very good shape. He came home the day after the race and has had no problems.”