CHAMPION trainer Noel Meade was critical of the ground conditions at Punchestown yesterday and commented after Casey Jones had justified favouritism in the opening novice hurdle under Paul Carberry. "I'm disappointed with the ground today, " he stated. "I feel let down, to be honest. They promised us faithfully that they would water."

Meade, who then withdrew Loup Du Saubouas from the third race, added: "They sent us a text this morning describing the ground as good and then I get here and find it's good to firm in places.

They didn't water down the back stretch and it's just not fair. This is the end of April and we have the whole summer coming up for those horses that like firm ground."

The trainer then said of Casey Jones: "He's a lovely horse. That's his last run over hurdles, he'll go over fences after his summer break."

Clerk of the course Joe Collins stood by Punchestown's watering policy and commented: "We watered last night and all the riders are saying the ground is better than yesterday."

Dalucci, from the Charlie Swan stable, had little difficulty following up his recent Tipperary win with further success in the Peggy Barry Walsh Memorial Handicap Hurdle. Swan said "He loves the ground. We might mix it with him on the flat for the summer."