Meade satisfied despite defeat

Racing : Noel Meade reports Harchibald to be in good shape after his run on the all-weather at Dundalk on Friday night.

Racing: Noel Meade reports Harchibald to be in good shape after his run on the all-weather at Dundalk on Friday night.

The four-time Grade One winning hurdler could finish only eighth in the Kelleher Electrical Services Race on his first start since April, but his Co Meath handler believes the race was not run to suit.

"We were happy enough with the run and things did not go his way as they went slowly early on and we knew at halfway there was no chance of him going close as it turned into a three furlong sprint," said Meade.

"Having said that he has come out of the race grand and Declan (McDonogh) did not knock him about when his chance had gone. He will probably run at Dundalk again before we get him back over hurdles."

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Where the nine-year-old will next be seen over timber is still undecided, with Meade considering a trip to England to bid for a third WBX.COM "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle.

"He will either go back to Newcastle for the "Fighting Fifth" (November 29th) or maybe we will look at the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown (November 16th). We will have to see what the weather is like nearer the time and then we will make a decision."