Noel Meade¹s Apache Stronghold is an intended runner in Sunday's Grade 1 Navan Novice Hurdle. He looked a real star in the making when winning the Grade 2 Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan last month but his trainer feels there is still more to come.

Noel Meade's Apache Stronghold On-course for Navan

Jockey Paul Carberry returned recently from a long lay-off and put a few quick winners on the board, including success in last month's Monksfiield Novice Hurdle on Apache Stronghold for trainer Noel Meade.

Noel Meade Talks about Paul Carberry's Successful Return

PADDY POWER have left Un De Sceaux unchanged at 14-1 for the Stan James Champion Hurdle following his 53-length victory at Navan on Sunday. Un De Sceaux's job was made a lot easier in the Follow Navan On Facebook Hurdle when Gordon Elliott decided not to run Flaxen Flare leaving just two rivals for Willie Mullins' charge to beat. He did that in no uncertain terms as Ruby Walsh never came off the bridle en route to the wide-margin success from Akatara. Next up for Un De Sceaux is the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran Park next month before a possible tilt at the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. 
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh also won the opening race at Navan as their 9-10 favourite Aklan made an impressive winning debut over jumps by nine lengths in the maiden hurdle. 


Navan Racecourse