Harchi team swerve Agfa test

Harchibald will not run against Detroit City and Straw Bear in the Agfa UK Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

Trainer Noel Meade was considering the extended two-mile heat for his enigmatic eight-year-old, who has been absent from the track since October 1.

However, connections have now turned their attentions to a possible run in the the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran on February 17.

Meade said: “He’s 90% fit but I just don’t think he worked well enough to win. What’s the point in going over to be second or even third?

“He’s going to work over the weekend and we’ll then see about maybe the Red Mills at Gowran.

“But, as I’ve said all along, he could go to Cheltenham without another run.”