Iktitaf Poised For Punchestown Return

Grade One-winning hurdler Iktitaf is on course to reappear at the Punchestown Festival in April.

The five-year-old was an impressive winner of the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December, before finishing second in the Grade Two Byrne Group plc Hurdle.

However, it was revealed after that race that he had injured his near-fore after hitting the fifth flight of hurdles.

Trainer Noel Meade said: 'Most of my better horses will be going to Punchestown.

'There is a Grade Two (Rathbarry & Glenview Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse) a week before the Punchestown Festival though and I will try to split mine up the best I can as Iktitaf looks like he will be back for one of those races.

'It will be a big boost to have him back and as long as everything goes OK between now and then, he should run in one of those races.'

On his Cheltenham runners, Meade added: 'Sweet Wake was OK after the Supreme Novices' Hurdle but seemed to be a bit sore under his elbow and blew very hard after the race.

'We've done a few checks on him but we haven't found anything wrong yet, but for some reason he didn't run particularly well, or not as well as I think he can run.

'Jazz Messenger came out of the same race well.

'Nicanor has come out of the SunAlliance absolutely bouncing ? he is very well ? but Mr Nosie is a little bit lame in front.'

? PA Sport