Horse Racing: Istabraq fine for Cheltenham - O'Brien

Istabraq has recovered from his workout at Leopardstown last week and remains on course to bid for an unprecedented fourth Smurfit Champion Hurdle success at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

The 10-year-old, who has raced just once this season, looked well and pleased jockey Charlie Swan in the gallop with stable companion Darapour last Tuesday.

When asked about Istabraq’s well being trainer Aidan O'Brien said: ‘‘He was a little bit stiff after the work at Leopardstown but he has missed no morning canters since.

‘‘So far he’s fine for Cheltenham. People should understand that it is his ninth season in training in a row. He’s getting older and bound to have little problems like that.

‘‘That’s why we’ve been minding him and racing him so little this season.’’

Istabraq is a best-priced 15-8 chance with Coral for the Champion Hurdle a week today.