IRISH raider Harchibald is an odds-on shot to make it two Grade Ones win on the bounce in the Stan James Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.

Former champion hurdler Rooster Booster will try for a second win in the totesport Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Richard Johnson will miss the high-profile rides on Rooster Booster and Monkerhostin at Cheltenham this weekend after x-rays revealed that he sustained pelvic damage in a fall at Haydock last week.

ROOSTER BOOSTER will try to give weight all-round in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on Sunday.

ROOSTER BOOSTER is in "tip-top shape" for his bid to complete back-to-back victories in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle on today's opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Philip Hobbs today reported Rooster Booster to be in fine shape ahead of his bid to win the Smurfit Champion Hurdle for the second year running at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Rooster Booster is a top-priced 13-8 with Blue Square to retain his crown in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Rooster Booster was denied victory in Newbury today, finishing second in the Tote Gold Trophy for the third time in four years.

Mark Gallagher wipes a tear from his eye as he recalls 365 sporting days of highs and lows, winners and losers, some guts and a lot of glory.

Rooster Booster will face an easier task than expected tomorrow when he makes his seasonal reappearance in the Tote Bula Hurdle, following the defection of Australian import Specular.

Champion hurdler Rooster Booster could make his seasonal debut at Ascot next week if the ground is suitable.

IT looked as if it was going to be a long road back for odds-on punters at Punchestown this week, following Moscow Flyer’s mishap at the second last in yesterday’s BMW Chase.

THERE are 44 entries in the £300,000 Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 11, including 12 trained in Ireland as well as two each from France and Germany.