Classy field for Punchestown

Noel Meade will walk the track before committing Harchibald to the Maplewood Developments Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday.

The County Meath trainer is concerned the ground might be too heavy for the nine-year-old, who took the corresponding race in 2004.

Meade has also declared Jered for the Grade One contest with Hardy Eustace, Sizing Europe and Won In The Dark making up a classy five-strong field.

“The two horses are in great form, but I’ll have a look at the track myself tomorrow before I make up my mind about Harchibald,” said Meade.

“It’s been incredible the amount of rain we’ve had, it’s just hard to believe. Anyway we’ll see.”

Jered made a pleasing reappearance when beating Cork All Star on his reappearance at Down Royal two weeks ago.

“He’s doing well and I suppose you’d have to be happy with that performance,” he added.

Sizing Europe will be having his first outing since being virtually pulled up when sent off favourite for last season’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The six-year-old was a stylish winner of the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last January but was found to be suffering from a back problem after his Festival disappointment.

Trainer Henry De Bromhead said: “He’s in good form and we’ll obviously know more on Sunday. We have our fingers crossed and we are looking forward to seeing him back in action on the track.

“They’re all good horses in there and it’s his first run back so I hope he’ll go well.”