Meade’s purple patch continues with a double

ALTHOUGH attending the Newmarket Sales, Noel Meade continued in superb form at Punchestown yesterday when a double, achieved by odds-on favourites Perfect Smile and Aitmatov brought his tally to six winners in three days while stable-jockey Paul Carberry, who partnered both horses, went on to complete a personal treble on Gordon Elliott’s Fool’s Wildcat.

Perfect Smile, which gained valuable experience over hurdles last season, made an impressive return to action when coasting to an effortless win in the opening Dobbins Catering Maiden Hurdle.

Although a little keen throughout, the 1/3 favourite jumped impeccably and cruised into contention before edging past front-running Crom Abu on the approach to the final flight before quickening clear on the run-in to triumph by five and a half lengths.