Road to Riches builds up preparation before Leopardstown

Noel Meade has taken Road To Riches for a racecourse gallop at Fairyhouse as he builds up his work ahead of the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 6th.

Third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last season, Meade’s stable star had to miss his Christmas engagement in the Lexus Chase with a minor setback.

All roads now lead to Leopardstown and then Cheltenham, where Meade has not totally ruled out the Ryanair Chase.

“It wasn’t a serious piece of work (at Fairyhouse), more a case of taking him away from home,” said Meade on At The Races.

“The ground was very tacky, he likes being in front and likes jumping so we let him go round on his own — he went about a mile and a half.

“He worked on the grass on Tuesday at home, a mile and a half again, and I’m delighted with him, he’s in good shape.

“After that piece he seems pretty ready, he’ll do a bit next week and that should leave him right. He’s not a horse that takes a lot of work.

“I hope he wouldn’t switch targets, but one never knows. I would think it will be the Gold Cup, he was third in it last year and only lost second in the last 100 yards.

“It would appear to be the race to go for, but Michael (O’Leary, owner) asked me to put him in the Ryanair so he’s in that as well, so all options are open.

“With so many Gigginstown horses with chances in the Gold Cup, they have to keep all options open.”