Racing: Tendon injury for Istabraq

Three-time Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq suffered a tendon injury when attempting a record fourth success in the Cheltenham contest on Tuesday, it emerged today.

Jockey Charlie Swan felt uneasy on the Aidan O’Brien-trained gelding after he had jumped just one flight and after taking the second hurdle decided to pull the 2-1 favourite up.

In his post-race examination, vet John Halley found that Istabraq had damaged the equine equivalent of an Achilles tendon in his hock but has no doubt that in time he will make a full recovery.

Halley thought that the injury occurred either jumping off or jumping the first hurdle.

In a statement to PA Sport O’Brien said: ‘‘Istabraq spent a very comfortable night in the racecourse stables, ate up well last night and seems in good form this morning, but is understandably stiff on his off-hind.

‘‘He will travel home to Ballydoyle with Darapour this evening and will be re-examined by John Halley tomorrow morning.

‘‘We all wish to express our sincere thanks to all those who showed so much concern for the horse’s well being and we were touched by the number of faxes and e-mails we received.’’