Racing: Istabraq back to winning ways
Istabraq has won an unprecedented fourth Tote December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained nine-year-old came home ahead of Bust Out at 20/1 and Penny Rich at 14/1.
Charlie Swan, who has ridden Istabraq in all his 28 starts over hurdles, again renewed his association with the son of Sadler’s Wells.
There was no mistake today as the 4-11 chance led after the last to get the better of Bust Out by just a head.
Charlie Swan was not hard on Istabraq on the run-in and appeared to score with something in hand.
Chief market rival Liss A Paoraigh took a heavy fall at the second flight and in the process hampered Bust Out.
But Istabraq stayed clear of the trouble and despite stepping at the third last never gave his legions of supporters much to worry about.
He remains favourite to record an unprecedented fourth Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham in March.
