Horseracing: Istabraq's hopes of four in a row may not be over

There are hopes Istabraq could yet win a record breaking fourth Champion Hurdle at this year's Cheltenham Festival, if it is postponed until mid-April.

The Irish Racehorse Trainer's Association has confirmed no Irish runners will take part in the planned meeting in eleven days time.

It was feared the horses and lorries could help spread the foot and mouth virus.

Racing pundit John McCririck says there would be little point running the prestigious race without Istabraq.