Meade outlines plans for Fairyhouse Noel Meade will bid to extend his lead at the head of the National Hunt trainers championship with a strong team lined up for the three Grade 1's at the Bar One Racing-sponsored meeting at Fairyhouse on Sunday. Aitmatov edged out Sweet Kiln in a thrilling renewal of the Hatton's Grace Hurdle last year, and the seven-year-old gelding is on course for a repeat bid. 'He really needed the run when fifth to Catch Me on his reappearance at Navan earlier this month, and worked well last week. The plan is to run him and Muirhead,' said Meade. Muirhead won the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle 12 months ago, and the Co. Meath handler is responsible for nine of the original 32 entries this year - leaning towards running Fisher Bridge and Donnas Palm. Donnas Palm made an impressive debut in a Navan bumper before following up in emphatic fashion in a Naas maiden hurdle last month, while Fisher Bridge has scored twice this term at Punchestown before filling the runner-up berth last time behind Academy Sir Harry in the Grade 3 'For Auction' Novice Hurdle at Navan. Aran Concerto made a pleasing return to action following a 20 month spell on the sidelines when successful on his chasing debut at Navan a fortnight ago. The son of Zaffaran heads now for the Drinmore Novice Chase, and Meade reports, 'He's done well since Navan and is in good form.'
