Tombstone set to be added to Champion field

As revealed at the weekend, Gordon Elliott confirmed Tombstone, the recent conqueror of former two-mile king Jezki, was in line to be added to the field for the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

"He's not supplemented yet, but if everything goes all right and he works all right at the weekend, the plan is we'll probably run him in the Champion Hurdle," he said. "It's a very good race, but it's probably an open enough race.

"We've never had a runner in the Champion Hurdle, so I don't know what it takes to win one, but why not have a go?

"He's in good nick."

Hatton's Grace winner Apple's Jade holds an entry in the Champion Hurdle, but is set to head for the OLBG Mares' Hurdle when she could renew rivalry with Limini, who beat her at Punchestown last week.

"She got beaten by a better horse on the day - there were absolutely no excuses," said Elliott.

"You'd be hoping a bit better ground and a faster gallop would suit Apple's Jade. Doing the donkey work I don't think suits her and she ran a bit fresh, but Limini was definitely the best horse on the day.

"I'd be delighted if Limini goes for the Champion Hurdle, but if she's there we'll take her on.

"If you worry about one horse you wouldn't run them."