Harchibald faces crucial gallop

Harchibald faces a crucial workout tomorrow ahead of a possible bid for back-to-back victories in the Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday.

Last season’s Champion Hurdle runner-up missed two weeks’ serious exercise when suffering a knock after winning a Grade One contest at Tipperary in early October.

The six-year-old looked a fortunate winner that day as he was two lengths behind Solerina when she fell at the final flight.

“I won’t make a definite decision until he’s worked tomorrow,” said trainer Noel Meade.

“I would say it’s looking likely but he got a knock after Tipperary which slowed him up a little.”