Meade backs Jered credentials

Noel Meade remains hopeful that Jered will prove himself worthy of a Champion Hurdle tilt.

The JP McManus-owned gelding rounded off a fine novice campaign with victory at Punchestown in the spring, and returned to action in similar vein before disappointing behind Hardy Eustace in November.

However, Meade puts that loss down to the heavy going and the trainer believes better ground in the spring will bring out the best in the seven-year-old.

"Jered is fine and we have given him a little break since his last run at Punchestown as he really needs good ground," said Meade.

"He has not had any problems at all but he hasn't handled heavy ground any time he has run on it so there is no point running him on it.

"I don't know if he will run in the Irish Champion (Toshiba Champion Hurdle) or not we will just have to see what the ground is like before deciding where we go.

"If the ground is right, he is still a very good horse and I hope he can still turn into a Champion Hurdle horse."

Meanwhile, Meade is also keeping an eye on the weather regarding Harchibald, who proved himself as good as ever at Kempton over Christmas.

The enigmatic 10-year-old is another who thrives on decent ground and will also bypass Leopardstown if the ground comes up soft.

"The Irish Champion is a possible but we will see what the ground is like - the ground is the key to him," Meade said.

"Again if the ground is right he will more than likely go to Cheltenham for the Champion Hurdle after that.

"He was a little bit stiff after the run but that is normal for him and he is absolutely fine again now.

"We were obviously delighted with him that day and when the ground is right, it takes a good one to beat him."