Horseracing: Istabraq wins virtual Champion Hurdle
Istabraq has carried off his fourth consecutive Champion Hurdle in the virtual version of the race run on the internet.
The Irish champion proved victorious from Moscow Flyer and Hors La Loi in the animated race set up by the Racing Post.
Istabraq jumped the second-last hurdle in the lead and cost one real bookmaker dear after pulling away to win by several lengths.
Paddy Power bookmakers have promised to pay out on ante-post Cheltenham bets on the virtual race.
A spokesman said an Istabraq win would cost Paddy Power £30,000, while Moscow Flyer would also be costly in each-way betting and betting without Istabraq.
The Virtual Smurfit Champion Hurdle 2001 was run on "soft" ground on the Racing Post's computer.
It interpreted information from the newspaper's Postdata formula, with horses' ability to handle the ground, distance and course being blended with their current form.
The Racing Post's jumps handicapper Steve Mason provided input on how each race was likely to develop tactically.
The Virtual Cheltenham Festival continues on Wednesday and Thursday with versions of the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Gold Cup.
