Racing: Istabraq heading straight for Cheltenham?
Istabraq may not run again until bidding for an unprecedented fourth Smurfit Champion Hurdle victory, his trainer Aidan O'Brien has revealed.
He outlined the plan after the nine-year-old returned to winning form in the Tote December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown.
He said: "The odds are that we won't be going for the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle here next month.
"We will try to keep the miles off the clock as he's getting older and he might be around a bit longer because of that."
Istabraq remains a best-priced 13-8 with Coral for the hurdlers' crown at Cheltenham on March 12.
"I think, fitness-wise, he's only a bit more than half ready. It was a huge result for us," commented O'Brien.
"We wanted a safe, clear round and winning was a bonus. I thought he was just ready for a run and a day away. He's very lazy often on the way to getting fit."
Swan added: "He was a long way out and he got a bit keen when Liss A Paoraigh fell early on.
"The sun was shining on the last hurdle which didn't help but I think he's as good as ever."
Owner JP McManus said: "Charlie was pleased enough, that's the main thing. Hopefully, there's a fair amount of improvement in the horse and it's great to have today behind us.
"If there had been more daylight between Istabraq and Bust Out, it would have been nice but we have seen Aidan has left a lot to work on."
