NEWBURY ON MUIRHEAD RADAR

Muirhead could be heading for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury following his excellent display in the Munster National at Limerick on Sunday.

The eight-year-old was a Grade One winner during his novice hurdle campaign and has performed well at the highest level over the smaller obstacles on a number of occasions since, placing second in an Irish Champion Hurdle and fifth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Meade has successfully turned the talented gelding into a potent staying chaser judged on Sunday's performance and he could travel over to England next month.

"It was a good performance as he jumped and travelled well and the step up to three miles obviously suited him," said Meade.

"We'll see what sort of penalty he gets now before we make any plans for him, but I'll give him an entry in the Hennessy and we'll have a look at that.

"There is also a good handicap chase at Ascot (United House Gold Cup) but that's at the end of the month and might come a bit soon for him.

"He hasn't really had any problems. He pulled a muscle behind a little while ago but other than that, he's been sound.

"He's just been running in very good races."

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