Cockney Lad is day's best

NOEL MEADE'S biggest victory in a steeplechase had a tragic sequel when the favourite Johnny Setaside collapsed and died returning to the winner's enclosure after the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday. The trainer can gain some compensation in this afternoon's rescheduled December Festival Hurdle with Cockney Lad, if racing gets the go-ahead after a 7.30 a.m. inspection at the Leopardstown track.

Cockney Lad has proved a grand servant to the Meade stable and the seven-year-old should confirm form with Theatreworld, whom he had a length back in third place when six lengths second to Champion Hurdle bound Large Action in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle (2m 4f) at Fairyhouse.

Before that effort Cockney Lad had accounted for his stable companion Hill Society at Punchestown in which Mayasta was a well-beaten fourth. He should be worth supporting now that he returns to his optimum trip.

Guest Performance beat Hill Society at Fairyhouse before going on to account for Rawy at the same venue. He is in fine form at present and is sure to Cockney Lad and Theatreworld a run for their money.

Meade can also land the Ballinclea Handicap Hurdle with Saving Bond. The four-year-old came from a long way back to finish four lengths second to the highly-regarded I'm Supposin in a maiden hurdle here on St Stephen's Day. He looks nicely treated on 11-6 and should prove too much of a handful for Clonmel scorer Lady Daisy.

Eduardo has proved a major disappointment but Edward O'Grady's charge is given another chance in the Three Rock Maiden Hurdle after being surprisingly beaten by Premier Walk in a Clonmel bumper last time.

Willie Mullins is a trainer you ignore at your peril and his Glint Of Eagles, second to subsequent Leopardstown scorer Amble Speedy at Thurles, should be good enough to land the Dalkey Beginners Chase. Dawn Alert, runner-up to Ontheroadagain at Navan, may have to settle for second-best again.

Rathkeale trainer Eric McNamara scored a popular local success when landing the Dromcollogher Handicap Hurdle with Skulldugery at a freezing Limerick on Saturday.