Istabraq out to silence the doubters

Istabraq will bid for his fourth consecutive victory in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday when he will attempt to put an end to speculation over his wellbeing.

He was at the centre of a burst of activity in the ante-post market for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle on Thursday as support for his main rivals saw bookmakers William Hill briefly suspend betting on the Cheltenham contest.

However, the triple Champion Hurdle winner was among the eight declarations made today for Sunday's Grade One contest.

Aidan O'Brien's charge suffered the first fall of his career on his seasonal debut at the Dublin track on New Year's Eve.

But regular partner Charlie Swan was happy with the gelding after schooling him on Thursday.

The jockey said: "I jumped him over six hurdles yesterday. He jumped well and seemed in great form.

"There seemed to be no ill-effects from the fall - he can be a bit brave sometimes.

"He will have come on since then. I'd be hopeful and I'm looking forward to the race."

And O'Brien added: "If the ground was very heavy we might have to think twice about running him. I would expect to walk the track before racing, just to satisfy myself conditions were okay".

Tom Burke, racecourse manager at Leopardstown, reported: "Our ground is yielding to soft at the moment.

"The forecast is for the possibility of a frost tonight but it is due to rain on Saturday night with milder conditions.

"The rain should clear on Sunday morning to leave a bright, mild day".

Sunday's seven rivals include the first three home in the AIB Agri-Business Hurdle, in which Istabraq came to grief at the final flight.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Moscow Flyer prevailed by two lengths that day from Stage Affair with Mantles Prince three lengths back in third.

Istabraq's owner J P McManus also has Aerleon Pete and Youlneverwalkalone in at Leopardstown, both trained by Christy Roche.

However Youlneverwalkalone is only likely to line up should Istabraq miss the race.