Walsh keen on Celestial

Published at Mar 13, 2010, 12:13

Ruby Walsh is advising punters not to forget Celestial Halo in Tuesday's Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Narrowly denied by Punjabi last year, the six-year-old has been disappointing in his last two runs at Prestbury Park and Leopardstown.

However, after partnering him in a piece of work at Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat yard on Friday morning, Walsh is confident the 2008 Triumph Hurdle winner is right back to his best.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Walsh said: "Celestial Halo's looking hot, if his work at Paul Nicholls' yesterday morning is an accurate guide.

"I know he's been below-par this season, but he is bombing right now and you could do worse than have something on each-way for the Champion Hurdle."

Celestial Halo is a top-price 12-1 for the showpiece race on the opening day of the Festival.

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