Horse Racing: Istabraq set for racecourse gallop

Istabraq may have a racecourse gallop in Ireland today, his trainer Aidan O’Brien has revealed.

‘‘We want to take his preparation a step further by getting a racecourse gallop into him. But it all depends on the weather and the ground,’’ said the Tipperary trainer.

‘‘Wherever he goes he’ll do a lap of the track and perhaps jump a hurdle. Charlie Swan will ride him.’’

The triple Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner has just had the one race this season at Leopardstown in December when he narrowly defeated Bust Out.

O’Brien has resisted the temptation to give the horse a competitive outing before his bid to win the Cheltenham showpiece for a record fourth time.

Istabraq is 15-8 favourite with Coral for the race on Tuesday, March 12.