Hennessy delighted with Sublimity prep

Robbie Hennessy will "wrap Sublimity in cotton wool" as he prepares the 10-year-old for another crack at Champion Hurdle glory.

Winner of the race in 2007 when trained by John Carr, Hennessy believes Sublimity is now is the finest shape he has been for some time.

Placed in the Fighting Fifth, December Festival Hurdle and Irish Champion Hurdle this season, Sublimity came through a workout after racing at Leopardstown yesterday with flying colours.

"I was delighted with him, we worked him over 10 furlongs with Donegal and Coliseum and just let him stride on in the straight," said Hennessy.

"Philip Carberry was delighted with him, although he nearly didn't make it as there were strikes in France and he nearly ended up in Belgium at one point.

"The ground was pretty dead yesterday which wouldn't have suited him but there's a bit of heat today and it is supposed to dry up a bit which will suit us at Cheltenham.

"It should be the best ground he has raced on all year which will be a help.

"We'll wrap him up in cotton wool now and just hope we get him there in the same form.

"He was in front too far out in the Irish Champion. It was a pity Celestial Halo didn't take us on a bit longer as it ended up that we gave Solwhit something to aim at.

"He seems to be in the best condition I've had him. He's been consistent this season and I think a lot of that is down to his wind operation because he's been as good, if not better, than ever."

Sublimity is a best-priced 22-1 with William Hill to regain the Champion Hurdle crown.