Racing: Gallagher ecstatic at winning Champion Hurdle

Smurfit Champion Hurdle winning jockey Dean Gallagher spoke of his surprise as his mount - Hors La Loi III - won the race earlier this afternoon.

The ecstatic jockey said: "‘‘I can’t believe it - it’s a dream that’s become reality, I’m just overwhelmed, overwhelmed.’’

‘‘When I heard Istabraq was pulled up on the loudspeaker I thought ‘that’s one out of the way’ but today was his day, he deserved it. He’s as tough as they come.’’

Explaining his decision to pull up Istabraq Swan said: ‘‘His action seemed to go.’’

Hors La Loi III won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival in 1999 and finished second to Istabraq in the Champion Hurdle the following year.