Horse Racing: Istabraq continues to slide in Champion betting

Istabraq is quoted the 2-1 favourite by the Tote as he bids for a record fourth consecutive win in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained star is 13-8 with Corals and 6-4 with Ladbrokes.

Istabraq, owned by J P McManus, heads the 40 entries for the race on March 12.

The 10-year-old is among 12 Irish-trained possibles for the 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 powerful Irish team.

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 domestic 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 Boxing 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.