NOEL Meade is aware of the huge undertaking ahead of Affordale Fury, as last month’s Savills Chase victor faces former foes in a thrilling renewal of the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup Chase at Leopardstown today.

Meade’s progressive chaser finished two and a half lengths ahead of a revived I Am Maximus a month ago, with another three-parts of a length back to Galopin Des Champs, who seeks a fourth consecutive win in the Irish Gold Cup at 3.30.

The reigning champion is expected to come on for the run, but Meade has nothing negative to report on his charge ahead of the big day. “Everything’s gone well, we were happy where he’s at,” he told The Irish Field.

“We’re under no illusions about the task ahead of him; we know that Willie’s horses will surely improve, and certainly Gaelic Warrior and I Am Maximus deserve respect as well. We hope we’ll be competitive.”

Weather watch

This week’s torrential rain has dampened hopes for some contenders and, while Meade believes Affordale Fury will act on the ground, he suggests that it may have a greater influence on his rivals’ chances.

“We’ve always thought this horse will go on soft ground and it would suit him, but having said that, he’s run well on good ground,” the trainer commented.

“The one thing I want to say about that is, over the years, we’ve always found that very soft, heavy ground is a bonus to Willie, because Willie’s horses are trained in those sorts of conditions.”

With Affordale Fury off the track for all of 2024, his first starts over fences might be a distant memory to some, but his sole start on heavy ground was on his chasing debut when justifying favouritism against Favori De Champdou.

He has also been underestimated in the past, having been fourth in the betting when winning last time out and was 150/1 when second in the Albert Bartlett as a novice.