Noel Meade celebrates 70th birthday with winner at Cork

Hes A Hardy Bloke was the 11-8 favourite for the GAIN Rated Novice Hurdle - and was not troubled in seeing off Takarengo by four lengths in the hands of Sean Flanagan.

BIRTHDAY TREAT: Veteran handler Noel Meade enjoyed his 70th birthday with an opening race winner Saturday at Cork.

Hes A Hardy Bloke provided Noel Meade with a 70th birthday winner in the opening race at Cork Saturday.

Meade has won the Irish trainers' title on multiple occasions since saddling his first winner over 50 years ago, with his many Grade One winners include Harchibald, Go Native, Pandorama and Road To Riches.