Meade has gold-en ambitions for Affordale Fury

The Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival and then the blue riband at the Festival in March beckon for the Savills Chase

PROGRESSIVE: Affordale Fury powers to victory in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Picture: Healy Racing

Affordale Fury will tread a path to the Cheltenham Gold Cup after his memorable success in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

The Noel Meade-trained eight-year-old has always shown plenty of ability, and this season has stepped out in good form when second in the Champion Chases at both Gowran and Down Royal before winning a Listed contest at Thurles.