Racing: Straight to Cheltenham for Istabraq

Aidan O’Brien has confirmed that Istabraq’s next outing will be in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 12.

There had been a slight chance that the Irish superstar, who will be bidding for an historic fourth hurdling championship at Cheltenham, would run in next Sunday’s AIG (Europe) Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

But O’Brien said: ‘‘Istabraq definitely does not run in the AIG.

‘‘He will not have another race prior to the Champion Hurdle on March 12.

‘‘So far, all his preparations are going well.’’

Rumours of Istabraq’s well-being have circulated since the 10-year-old’s narrow victory over the unconsidered Bust Out at Leopardstown last month.

The Sadler’s Wells gelding has drifted in the ante-post markets in recent weeks and is a best-priced 2-1 in Britain with the Tote.

Hopes of a fourth Cheltenham crown for Istabraq last year were dashed when the foot and mouth outbreak forced the abandonment of the Festival.