Leader backed for Champion

Spirit Leader has been backed for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle with Ladbrokes.

The seven-year old mare, trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington, won two highly-competitive and valuable handicap hurdles in the second half of last season.

“Punters were rewarded wonderfully for their belief in this sturdy mare when she won the Tote Gold Trophy at 14-1 and the County Hurdle at 10-1 last season,” said Balthazar Fabricius of Ladbrokes.

Reigning champion Rooster Booster was trimmed to 11-4 from 7-2 with Coral after attracting decent support today.

Smurfit Champion Hurdle betting:

Ladbrokes: 11-4 Rooster Booster, 9-2 Rhinestone Cowboy, 10-1 Back In Front, 12-1 Intersky Falcon, 16-1 Spirit Leader, 20-1 Sporazene, 25-1 Lingo, Self Defense, 33-1 bar.

Coral: 11-4 Rooster Booster, 9-2 Rhinestone Cowboy, 10-1 Back In Front, 16-1 Intersky Falcon, Spirit Leader, Sporazene, 20-1 Specular, Davenport Milenium, 25-1 Kicking King, Our Vic, Self Defense, Flame Creek, 33-1 bar.