Aran powered up for Sunday service

Noel Meade reports Aran Concerto to be firmly on target for a return to Grade One company in the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The eight-year-old bounced back from injury when making a winning start to his career over fences at Navan in November.

Although he missed an intended prep run at Navan two weeks ago, Meade is happy to let him line up at the weekend.

“Aran Concerto is in good form and, if everything goes to plan with him between now and Sunday, he will definitely run,” said the County Meath handler .

“We had hoped to run him at Navan a couple of weeks ago, but the ground dried up quickly so we decided it wasn’t worth the risk.

“We’re very happy him and Barry (Geraghty) came down to school him the other day and he jumped great.

“It’s a big step for the horse to go back into this company after the problems he’s had, but we’ll just see how it goes.”