Racing · Irish Racing

Meade waits with Aitmatov

Noel Meade is weighing up the options for Aitmatov following his hard fought success in the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on Saturday.

It was a welcome victory for the eight-year-old having failed to hit the target in over a year and Meade was delighted with how he got the better of Clopf after the final flight.

The gelding does hold an entry in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, a race in which he was sixth last season, but Meade is currently favouring a trip to Aintree a month later.

'It was great to get that win into him and he kept on really well in conditions which he doesn't really like,' said Meade.

'We were maybe a bit lucky as Clopf stopped a bit in front but we are delighted and he will need a bit of a break now as the conditions were testing enough.

'He is in the World Hurdle so we will obviously have a look at that but I think two and a half miles suits him better so Aintree could be an option.

'That would probably suit him down to the ground but we will see nearer the time.'

 
RTÉ.ie Sport: Aitmatov claimed his first win in over a year on Saturday
Aitmatov claimed his first win in over a year on Saturday
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