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.