Racing: Istabraq noses ahead of Champion Hurdle field

Aidan O'Brien's Istabraq heads 40 entries for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 12.

The 10-year-old is eyeing a record fourth victory in the hurdling championship.

Istabraq is one of 12 Irish-trained possibles for the £270,000stg (€438,000) contest on the opening day of the National Hunt Festival.

Ned Kelly, Joe Cullen, Liss A Paoraigh and 2000 Rothmans Royals St Leger third Chimes At Midnight, who is so far unraced over hurdles, also feature in the Irish team.

The race had been mentioned as a possible target for another Irish ace, James Bowe's Limestone Lad, but his name does not figure among the entries.

There are two French-trained entries - Guillaume Macaire's Jair Du Cochet and Bilboa from Francois Doumen's stable - as well as the best hurdler in Germany, the eight-year-old San Suru, trained by Mario Hofer.

A strong English challenge includes Bula Hurdle winner Valiramix, one of six entries for Martin Pipe, and Nicky Henderson's Landing Light, who took the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

Henderson's Geos and Regal Exit, Ladbroke Hurdle winner Marble Arch, the well-backed Brother Joe, and 2000 Irish St Leger winner Arctic Owl, who has yet to jump a hurdle in public, also hold entries.