Meade keen on Gold Cup for Riches

Noel Meade is keen for Road To Riches to have another crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup - despite his eclipse at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Gigginstown-owned nine-year-old was beaten 12 lengths by Carlingford Lough in the Irish Gold Cup at the Foxrock circuit, but has returned home unscathed from that short-priced defeat.

Road To Riches also holds an entry in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but Meade feels his inmate would again be worthy of a place in the Gold Cup, in which he finished third last season.

The County Meath handler said: "He seems to be OK, which which is good.

"I think they just went too quick. He never got into a rhythm, and was back and forth a bit in the race.

"He was only just beaten in the Gold Cup last year so I think he should go back there again.

"Good ground would help him but it's up to the owners which race they want to go for."