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.