Magnetic rug works a treat for Scarthy Lad as Harchibald disappoints

CHAMPION Hurdle aspirant Harchibald proved hugely disappointing when trailing in fourth of five behind Scarthy Lad in the Tipperary Hurdle at Tipperary yesterday.

He travelled well through the contest, but found nothing on the testing ground when asked to raise his game by Paul Carberry approaching the second last.

Scarthy Lad had taken a firm grip on proceedings at this stage and only had to pop the final two for Barry Geraghty to beat Maralan unextended by five and a half lengths.