Istabraq on form for Cheltenham

27 February 2002

Champion hurdle specialist, Istabraq, looks on form to claim his fourth title next month

Istabraq, hot favourite for next month’s Champion Hurdle, pleased connections with a pre-Cheltenham workout at Leopardstown racecourse yesterday (26 February).

The triple Champion Hurdler galloped 10 furlongs in heavy ground and jumped two flights of hurdles in the hands of his big race jockey Charlie Swan.

“We went as fast as you could work in that ground. The head wind was very bad towards the end of the gallop and that steadied us as well,” said Swan.

“He feels unbelievable and jumped really great and quick – he gave the two hurdles plenty of height.”

• Click here to read about Istabraq’s terrible fall at Leopardstown last year.

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