Ch'Tibello set to line up in Champion

Ch'Tibello is set to take his place in next week's Stan James Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after making a speedy recovery from a breathing operation.

Trainer Dan Skelton reported Ch'Tibello was only "50-50" to run in the Grade One heat after having his wind tweaked following a run at Wincanton last month.

He was just a length behind Yanworth in the Kingwell Hurdle that day but Skelton felt he did not see his race out as well as expected, prompting the surgery.

Part-owner Ian Marmion said: " Assuming that we don't miss a day between now and Monday, he runs.

"He's physically 100% and hasn't really missed any work, but he's been feeling a little bit sorry for himself post-op. However, he has brightened up in the last couple of days.

"It's a gamble, but there's never been a better year to have one that's just below Champion class and we're keen to let him take his chance."