Rising star Merdeka heading to Naas

Merdeka, an emerging star from Tom Taaffe’s yard, will seek to give Kicking King’s trainer some timely compensation with success in the Grade Two Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday.

The six-year-old has been touted as a possible Gold Cup contender for the future and beat some promising sorts when taking a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month in great style.

“I would always be very slow to mention what is going to be number one as the racetrack is always the place that tells the truth,” Taaffe told At The Races.

“Merdeka is a horse I love but he he is not going to have an overtaxing year.

“He will run this weekend but will not go to Cheltenham or Aintree and may only run once more after that, and that will be it for the season.”