Harchibald booked his place in Sunday's Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle - weather permitting - when pleasing trainer Noel Meade in a spin on the gallops this morning.

The Champion Hurdle runner-up faced a crucial workout at his trainer's Co Meath base ahead of this weekend's Grade Two contest at Punchestown.

"I am very happy with him and he worked very well," said Meade yesterday. "If the weather stays dry between now and Sunday he will take his chance."

Harchibald went down by a head to Champion Hurdle third Brave Inca in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle over course and distance in April, and kicked off the autumn by landing the John James McManus Memorial Hurdle at Tipperary.

"He was lucky in Tipperary this year but gave himself a wrap on the back of his joint in that race and it held him up for about two weeks," Meade continued.

"He then got a bruise on his hind foot which held him up for another week so we just didn't get a straight run. I wasn't sure whether he was going to be ready for the Morgiana or not but I was delighted with the way he worked. I am happy to let him take his chance as long as it stays dry between now and then, the ground should be very nice." The six-year-old landed the Morgiana 12 months ago before going on to claim the "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle at Newcastle, although a repeat raid looks unlikely.