Roll On Christmas For Harchi

Noel Meade admitted he has never loved any horse as much as Harchibald after the mercurial talent landed his second WBX.COM 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle at Newcastle.

The eight-year-old, who went on to finish second in the Champion Hurdle after winning the same race in the 2004-05 season, returned to his best form to beat Al Eile by an effortless one and three-quarter lengths, with 5-4 favourite Katchit only third.

And for Meade, watching the race in Fairyhouse, it was an emotional day.

'I'm absolutely thrilled that he's back,' said Meade.

'He had a nightmare last season and he was in a mood that he had been in training for so long without running.

'But I knew after his run at Dundalk the other day that he had his old swagger back.

'I have never loved a horse as much as this fellow and he could meet (stablemate) Jazz Messenger now in the Christmas Hurdle.'

The Christmas Hurdle at Kempton comes under consideration as the second leg of the WBX.COM Triple Crown, which culminates with the Champion Hurdle.

For Paul Carberry, it was a return to the glory days with a partner he has always been fond of.

'He did it super, I was a bit short of room turning in but I knew I had so much horse under me that I was never worried,' said Carberry.

'He jumps three times quicker than any other horse which is a massive advantage. He felt every bit as good to day, if not better, than he did three years ago.'

Robert Thornton was still pleased enough with Katchit's performance, despite him finishing outside the first two for the first time over hurdles.

'I've no excuses, I was going as fast as I was ever going to go at the last and the other two were going better,' said Thornton.

'We've still got every right to go for the Champion Hurdle and I won't mind riding him wherever he goes.'

Harmony Brig finally fulfilled the promise which Nicky Richards knew existed with a two-length win in the WBX.COM Rehearsal Chase.

A smart novice hurdler a few years ago, he looked to have lost interest in the game last season.

So much so that he was sent to Doncaster Sales in May. But there were no bidders, a fact that Richards is grateful of after the 14-1 chance landed the £28,000 first prize.

However, the eight-year-old is such a thinker, Brian Harding was given the mount instead of stable jockey Tony Dobbin with the view that he is more than likely going to be able to ride him all season.

'He can be a bit of a monkey and has a funny head-carriage and Tony deserves a lot of credit for the work he has done with him,' said Richards

'But we just thought Tony might be elsewhere most days this season so we decided to go with Brian for the season.

'We had him in the Doncaster sales in May and nobody wanted to buy him ? thankfully!'

Keith Reveley hailed Tazbar as the best he has ever trained after a bloodless victory in the WBX.COM 'The French Furze' Novices' Hurdle.

Second on his debut at Haydock last week he had no trouble in going one better and strolled home a distance clear of his nearest rival.

(C) PA Sport