The Noel Meade-trained Thedevilscoachman© Photo Healy Racing
A generally dry weather forecast is a big concern for many trainers ahead of the Punchestown Festival this week including Noel Meade whose Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle fancy Thedevilscoachman is just one of many hoping for some rain.
The six-year-old gelding reverted back from fences last time to land the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle over 2m5f at Navan but missed an intended engagement at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.
“I want to run Thedevilscoachman but he needs rain. We took him out of Fairyhouse because of the ground,” said the Castletown trainer.
“He’s in great form. He hasn’t run over three miles but he gives the impression that he will get it and he finished well to win at Navan which is a stiffer track.
“He’ll go back chasing next season.”
Highland Charge has a number of options over the week but is another that needs some rain.
The Gigginstown-owned gelding has won his latest two starts both over two miles on testing ground at Naas including the Grade 3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle last month.
“Highland Charge is entered in all three Grade 1 novice races but I’d imagine if he runs it will be the two and a half (Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle).
“Again he wants soft ground and I’ll have to speak to Eddie and Michael (O'Leary). He’s pleased me in his work and he’s in good shape.
Beacon Edge will take up his entry in the Grade 1 Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase on Tuesday.
The eight-year-old son of Doyen landed the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse earlier this season but was then absent for over two months after suffering a bout of colic.
He ran a cracker over three miles in the Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan before a below par effort last month in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham.
“He wasn’t well after Cheltenham and came home very flat,” explained Meade before adding, “We had him entered at Fairyhouse. We weren’t just happy with him and decided not to run but are happy with him now.”
He continued, “We have a couple in the handicaps and The Model Kingdom might run in the (Weatherbys General Stud Book Irish EBF Mares) bumper. She got a setback and time is not on our side. Ideally we’d like another week or two but I’ll see how she is.”
