Cowboy primed for shoot-out

RHINESTONE COWBOY can tighten his grip on the Champion Hurdle betting by landing the Grade One Bewleys’ Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown this afternoon.

He rocketed to the head of the market following a hugely impressive seasonal debut at Haydock 16 days ago.

Eyebrows were raised when Jonjo O’Neill decided to start the rising eight-year-old off in a two and a half mile handicap. But Rhinestone Cowboy did his job in style, quickening like a high-class racehorse to give Double Honour 17lbs and a six lengths beating.