Meade eager to keep big guns apart

Trainer Noel Meade is keen to avoid stable stars Road To Riches and Apache Stronghold crossing paths in the early part of the new campaign.

The County Meath maestro is reconsidering his options for Cheltenham Gold Cup third Road To Riches after owners Gigginstown House Stud decided against letting him defend his crown in Saturday’s JNwine.com Champion Chase, instead choosing to field the impressive Don Cossack in the Down Royal feature.

The Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday is a potential alternative, but that Grade Two event is also an option for Apache Stronghold, who has not been seen since finishing third at Punchestown in the spring.