Carberry the key to Harchibald plans

Paul Carberry’s availability could determine the running plans for leading Smurfit Champion Hurdle hope Harchibald.

Noel Meade’s rising star cruised home under a vintage Carberry ride in the Pertemps “Fighting Fifth” Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday and as a result, his price was slashed to 4-1 favourite by William Hill for the hurdlers’ crown at Cheltenham next March.