Cheltenham Holds No Fears For Harchi Team

Noel Meade is adamant the rejuvenated Harchibald has no aversion to the stamina-sapping incline at Cheltenham.

The mercurial eight-year-old was significantly chopped in price for the Champion Hurdle after a foot-perfect victory in the 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday ? his fourth Grade One triumph.

Harchibald is now as short as 6-1 for the Cheltenham Festival highlight but many observers still question his appetite for a scrap, particularly at Prestbury Park.

Meade's enigma won the Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2005 but appeared to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when second behind Hardy Eustace in the Champion Hurdle of the same year.

His trainer was quick to dispel the notion Cheltenham does not suit his prized asset, however, and alluded to the fact the 2005 Champion Hurdle was a red-hot affair.

'He's won before at Cheltenham so he can come up the hill,' Meade told At The Races.

'I think if you look back at Cheltenham that year he got beat by a champion (Hardy Eustace) but also beat a champion (Brave Inca).

'Brave Inca was third, Harchibald was second and Hardy Eustace won it ? they are three very good horses.

'He just ran out of petrol.'

(C) PA Sport