A HOWLING wind, accompanied at times by driving rain, got the Irish Flat season under way under lights on Friday night and Harchibald, the
star attraction at Dundalk,lived up to his top billing, delighting trainer Noel Meade by landing the 1m4f conditions race en route to a second tilt at the
Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle on March 11.
The nine-year-old won by one and a quarter lengths under Declan McDonogh and forMeade, whose team has returned to form following a long lean spell, it was a
perfect outcome.
Meade said: "That was just what we wanted and I'm absolutely thrilled. I couldn't believe the way he sprinted to take control of the race. Once he
comes out of the race okay we will just keep him ticking over until the big day.
"He has enough done now, his weight is great and he's in super form. All we have to worry about now is the ground at Cheltenham. I just hope they
don't overdo the watering."
Emmpat, who is entered for the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle and the Winter Derby at Lingfield a week on Saturday, stayed on well to snatch second place in
a three way photo with Kalderon, who is in the Coral Cup and the Champion Hurdle, and Kempes.
Pat Smullen, in action at Nad-Al-Sheba the previous day, made the perfect start to the defence of his jockeys' title when winning the first two races on
the card for Dermot Weld and Moyglare Stud.
Special Thnx to Racing Post...
Paul
