Meade happy with Native

Noel Meade is not expecting any fireworks from Go Native as the three-time Grade One winner makes his first appearance in over 900 days at Navan today.

The nine-year-old was sent off favourite for the 2010 Champion Hurdle, chasing a substantial bonus following wins in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

However, Go Native suffered an injury during the race, finished well beaten and has not been seen since.

He makes his comeback on the Flat in the two-mile October Maiden and Meade expects the race to improve his gelding’s fitness.

Meade said: “He will need the run but it’s a first step back and it’s a lovely race to run him on a bit of easy ground.

“He’s in good form at home and I’m very happy with him at this stage, but it will probably take him a couple of runs to get back in the swing of things.

“It’s a good race tomorrow, but then the two-mile Flat maidens normally are.”