Meade hoping for National glory Trainer Noel Meade has issued an update on his runners for the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. Meade stated that last season's Powers Gold Cup winner Aran Concerto may miss the race and reported “the plan originally for Aran Concerto was the Irish National but with the way the weather has turned and the going likely to be quite heavy, he may now miss the race.” He added “he slipped a tendon off his hock in landing over the final fence when winning the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse last season and has struggled to find his best form all season.” “Aran Concerto was once a hugely talented horse and, in his novice hurdle year, was one of those horses which never left a 'half-speed' but injuries have taken their toll on him - unfortunately he doesn't seem to be the force he once was.” Meade does report Oscar Looby and Across The Bay on course for the Irish National. He stated “the plan for both horses is the Irish National if things go right. Obviously it is going to be hard to ever know if a horse will stay 3m5f until he runs over it but Oscar Looby has won over three miles in heavy ground and the trip should be right up his alley.” “Across The Bay is almost certainly a runner in the race. He stays well, has won over three miles, he goes on soft ground. He's only had a few runs but has been good on those runs and I'd be happy to let him take his chance in the National.” Meade's Jered, a first fence faller at Cheltenham, may also take his place in the line-up but the Co Meath trainer stated “I couldn't say for certain if he will run in the race - if the ground is heavy, he is unlikely to run though.”
