Meade full of praise for Layfayette after latest effort Noel Meade’s Layfayette continues to show remarkable spirit, earning high praise after a strong performance at the Curragh. Layfayette’s Resilient Performance at the Curragh Noel Meade has described Layfayette as a 'little diamond', after his second place finish in the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld International Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. A nine-time winner, but without success since August of 2023, the admirable eight-year-old clearly retains plenty of enthusiasm for the game. “He's a little diamond. I'd say he actually wants a mile-and-six now,” the Tu Va handler remarked. Despite his age, Layfayette’s competitive spirit shone through, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent performer. Soft Ground Key for Future Success Slow away on his last number of starts, Meade now feels that the French Navy gelding needs further. “If he would just go and jump out of the gate quicker it would be a help,” he noted. “A give in the ground would be a big help as well. When he gets easier ground hopefully he'll get his race.” Meade believes that a longer distance and softer ground could unlock another victory for Layfayette, with plans likely centered on finding races that suit these conditions. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
