Realt builds up for return next month Realt Dubh could make a belated seasonal debut next month after pleasing trainer Noel Meade in his progress over the last few weeks. The eight-year-old has not run since finishing second to Captain Chris in the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown in May on his final start of a campaign that saw him win three Grade 1 races over fences in nine starts. After having had a busy time, his reappearance this term has been delayed after he was held up in the autumn. Realt Dubh now looks set for a spring campaign with his entries already including the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. "I'm very happy with him. His progress is good, he's doing everything according to plan," said Meade. "He's ready to step up doing a bit of fast work to see where we go. I'd say we're three weeks away. "I'll just see where we are going with him in that time, but it's so far, so good with him at the minute."
