Red Jack close to hurdling debut High-class bumper horse Red Jack is primed for an imminent debut over hurdles. The Noel Meade-trained four-year-old saw off subsequent Champion Bumper runner-up Debuchet when making a successful debut at Naas in early January, prompting powerhouse owner JP McManus to secure his services. It looked a good investment after Red Jack maintained his unbeaten record with a stylish display in a valuable Bumper at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday, and Meade is excited to see how he takes to jumping this season. Speaking at a National Hunt season preview at the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan, the trainer said: " He looked good the first day and didn't get a god prep for Fairyhouse. We gave him a break after he won in January and then things just didn't go according to plan, he got an infection in his withers. "He had a very rushed preparation for Fairyhouse and he still won very easy. The second horse (Dinons) came flying home that day but I'd say our lad just got a bit tired. He's very close to being ready to run. "He went around Fairyhouse last Wednesday over hurdles and he seems all right."
