Harald looks smart on return from long absence

The Noel Meade-trained Harald Hardrad defied a long absence when running out an impressive winner of the concluding bumper at Clonmel this afternoon.

Pat Taaffe gave the Jeremy gelding a confident ride as he cruised into the lead passing the two pole.

The Gigginstown-owned gelding was asked to quicken away over a furlong out and soon asserted. He was easing down close home to post an 11-length winning margin over 6/5 favourite Bold Getawat.

10/3 shot Harald Hardrad was making his first outing since finishing fifth in a point-to-point at Oldcastle in April 2019, an absence of 935 days.

Taaffe said:- "he is good. His work at home has been good and we didn't know if he'd handle the ground today but he galloped through it well.

"He was fifth in his point to point but that didn't tell you all as there was a Cheltenham winner Belfast Banter in the race.

"He is a nice horse going forward. Emma (Connolly) had him well turned out today and he won best turned out. I can see him going over a trip and jumping a hurdle and he'll win chases."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)