Meade worry over Harchibald form

Meade faces an anxious wait on Harchibald's fitness

Trainer Noel Meade admitted that he was "disappointed" after Smurfit Champion Hurdle favourite Harchibald failed to shine in a workout on Saturday.

The six-year-old was accompanied at Navan by four other horses, including three who are Cheltenham-bound.

"I was disappointed. He seemed to tire and empty. He worked exceptionally well in Fairyhouse a fortnight ago, but not here," said Meade.

"I would love to be able to say he worked well, but he didn't."

The other three Cheltenham-bound horses - Wild Passion, Sir Oj and Watson Lake - finished in front of Harchibald at the end of the work over a mile and three-quarters on soft ground.

Although Harchibald has been partnered by Paul Carberry in all his races this season, he was ridden in Saturday's workout by former jockey Peter Kavanagh after Carberry suffered bruising in a fall while out hunting on Friday.

Harchibald is a best-priced 4-1 for the Champion Hurdle and leads a strong Irish challenge for the race.

He has won his last three races impressively, beating former champion Rooster Booster a length-and-a-half in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on his most recent outing on Boxing Day.