Harchibald back at Tipperary

Champion Hurdle runner-up Harchibald sets back out on the road to the Cheltenham Festival when facing six others in the Grade One John James McManus Memorial Hurdle at Tipperary on Sunday.

Noel Meade’s charge again heads to the two-mile race after finishing third last year behind Solerina.

The latter will again bid to emerge victorious on her first start of the autumn with Tom Foley’s Royal Paradise having his first run since disappointing at the Festival last March.

The five-year-old was sent off the 9-2 joint favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle on the back of two classy wins, but could only finish seventh at Prestbury Park.

Dual Galway Plate winner Ansar will line-up for Dermot Weld, with Jonjo O’Neill sending Hasty Prince to Ireland from his Gloucestershire base.

He has not been seen since last December when coming home third in a novice chase at Windsor. Calorando and Red Square Lady complete the field.