Not enough rain for Brave Inca

Colm Murphy's enthusiasm for a repeat success in the Champion Hurdle with Brave Inca has been slightly dampened by the lack of rain at Cheltenham.

Colm, speaking at Cheltenham this morning said: "It is great to be back here again with Brave Inca and while he is in good form I would have preferred for the ground to be softer."

Commenting on the decision to book Robert Thornton for Big Zeb in tomorrow's Champion Chase he said: "Robert's experience around here will be an invaluable asset.

"Matt (O'Connor) has done nothing wrong on the horse, but it would not make sense to leave a jockey with Robert's record at Cheltenham sitting on the sidelines.

"Big Zeb will find it hard to beat Master Minded, but we are hoping he runs his race and after that you never know what could happen."