Go Native lands Supreme

The Noel Meade trained Go Native got the Irish off to a winning start at Cheltenham when claiming the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Paul Carberry got a lovely split on the rail after the second last and soon hit the lead.

He skipped clear before the final flight but had to survive a mistake there and held on gamely as Medermit chased him down on the run-in.

Golan Way and Shoreacres set a searching early gallop, with all the big guns sat in behind.

Red Moloney, Ainama, Cousin Vinny and Torphichen were all in close attendance, but nothing could go with Go Native once Carberry pressed the button.

Although he began to idle after the last, Meade's charge (12/1) had just enough in reserve to hold on by a neck.

Go Native's success provided a great tonic for Meade, who is at home recovering from an operation on his back.

Speaking from his Navan base, the trainer said: "My back's pretty good at the minute, so there's every possibility of a celebration tonight.

"He got beat well at Christmas by probably an exceptional horse in Hurricane Fly.

"He made a mistake at the last that day - it wouldn't have made the difference to winning, but he would have closer than he was.

"He's done everything very well since.

"When he got beat last summer he pulled a ligament high up in the back of his knee and it gave him a lot of trouble for quite a while, so it's probable that he's improving still.

"I'm sure Paul felt he got there too soon - I thought he did - but it was just the way it worked out for him.

"It was the longest run-in I can ever remember going up that straight, but he got there anyway."

Carberry added: "I fancied him the whole time and I thought that might have put the mockers on him.

"He travelled great the whole way, he jumped super. He jumped the second-last really well but I didn't want to be there too early.

"At the last he put down and when he heard the other horse coming he battled on to the line.

"I had the week off (after injury). It's brilliant to come back. And it's great for Noel. I think he'll be running round the yard at the moment."