Meade eyes big autumn targets for Helvic Dream

County Meath trainer ‘waiting on soft ground’ for Tattersalls Gold Cup hero.

Noel Meade is considering a range of big-race options for his Group One winner Helvic Dream.

Meade has enjoyed endless success at the top level over jumps in his career, but the four-year-old’s victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May was by far his biggest on the Flat.

The Power gelding has not run since, but is reported in good shape, as Meade waits for suitable ground conditions.

Noel Meade celebrates the victory of Helvic Dream at the Curragh
Noel Meade celebrates the victory of Helvic Dream at the Curragh (PA)

The County Meath trainer said: “We are waiting on soft ground, but he wouldn’t be ready until the middle of September. He’s entered in the Irish Champion Stakes (on Saturday week), but to be honest I don’t really think that’s realistic with the ground and the likely quality of the field.

“However, if the ground did come up soft he could run in it – because the plan is to go for the Prix Dollar at Longchamp on Arc weekend and then, if it came up soft, we might have a crack at the English Champion Stakes. He’s in great form.”

Meade had a welcome return to winning ways at Roscommon on Monday with Too Bright, and added: “We’ve been pulling our hair out for the last five or six weeks, but hopefully they are coming back to themselves now.”

Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.

Latest