Istabraq back in action

Istabraq`s season kicks off again in the Shell Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown tomorrow when Aidan O`Brien`s superstar bids to bring up his quarter-century and win his 25th race.

The nine-year-old has been off the course since winning the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle over this course and distance in January.

O`Brien admitted that connections were primarily concerned with the prospect of further rain making conditions testing.

The ground at the course is already officially soft after rain during the last 48 hours.

The Ballydoyle maestro explained: 'Istabraq has had two breaks since his last race and he is really well and ready for the run.

'We`re just hoping now that the ground does not become too soft.

'He`s in good form but we will just have to wait and see whether he`s as good as ever.

'As we`ve said before this will be his last race of the season. He will then come back and be prepared for the next Champion Hurdle.'

Connections admit that he is becoming a hardhorse to get fit, but his legion of fans will be hoping that his class will see him through again.

Ted Walsh, the trainer of classy novice, Colonel Yeager - who could well go off as Istabraq`s nearest market rival - certainly agrees.

'My horse has no chance in the world of beating Istabraq,' he said today.

'At his best there is no doubt that Istabraq is still the best hurdler in the British Isles.

'But this is a race I wanted to support and I`ll just be happy if my horse finishes in the first three.'

Colonel Yeager was highly impressive when defying a near two-year absence from the racecourse to win at GowranPark last week, beating Moscow Flyer and Mantles Prince, both of whom re-oppose here.

Walsh added: 'I don`t think he`ll run below form because it`s his second run back after a long lay-off but he will find it difficult to beat Moscow Flyer again as he meets him on 10lb worse terms.'