Jonjo out to make history

Jonjo O’Neill looks certain to saddle the first two in the betting for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle as he bids to become the first since Fred Winter to train as well as ride a winner of the opening day feature of the Cheltenham Festival.

O’Neill, who trains at nearby Jackdaws Castle, is responsible for the brilliant novice Rhinestone Cowboy and the established star Intersky Falcon in the £300,000 (€430,000) showpiece.