Racing: Kelly ready to face Istabraq

Rumours Ned Kelly will miss the Smurfit Champion Hurdle to avoid a clash with Istabraq have been firmly rebutted by John Magnier.

His owner quashed the speculation, which had arisen as Magnier is a friend of JP McManus - in whose colours Istabraq races - and is also owner of the Ballydoyle stable where Aidan O'Brien trains the four-time champion hurdler.

Magnier is in Barbados at the moment, but he stressed Ned Kelly, who is trained by Edward O'Grady, is an intended runner in Cheltenham showpiece.

"If he's right, he'll run," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"We'd love to beat Istabraq as much as anyone. Don't forget there are a lot of other horses to beat in the race."

Ned Kelly is quoted as short as 5-1 for the Champion Hurdle by the Tote, having won the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last time out.