Meade has grounds for concern

Noel Meade is worried that the ground at Punchestown will go against Harchibald in Friday’s Emo Oil Champion Hurdle.

The six-year-old was last seen when runner-up to Hardy Eustace under a controversial ride in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and he could face five of his Prestbury Park rivals again.

But with the going already described as soft, Harchibald is unlikely to get his favoured good going.

“Touch wood, the horse is OK, but I am worried about the weather as he does not like soft ground,” said Meade.

“The ground is not too bad today. Paul (Carberry) said it’s riding on the good side, but there’s a lot of rain forecast. We will come and run anyway as it’s the end of the season.”