Falcon the focus of O’Neill confidence

INTERSKY FALCON received a vote of confidence from trainer Jonjo O’Neill when he revealed yesterday that he would rather ride the gelding in next week’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle than better-fancied stablemate Rhinestone Cowboy.

O'Neill took out his first trainer's licence in the 1986/7 season and after a swift ride through the ranks, goes into next week's Cheltenham Festival with a host of live chances to his name.

But it is the Champion Hurdle duo, who occupy the first two places in the betting for next Tuesday's championship contest, which are foremost in O'Neill's mind as the meeting draws nearer. Unbeaten over hurdles, Rhinestone Cowboy heads the market on the strength of some impressive performances in his first season over obstacles.