Istabraq left in Kempton feature

Aidan O'Brien today left Istabraq in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day although the champion hurdler is highly unlikely to travel to England for his seasonal bow.

O'Brien yesterday all but ruled out the Kempton option when confirming that Irish jumping's superstar would make his reappearance at in the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown three days later.

Valiramix was Martin Pipe's only entry in the Christmas Hurdle at today's five-day declaration stage.

The ex-French gelding was promoted to 11-2 second-favourite from 8-1 by William Hill for the Champion Hurdle after an easy victory at Newbury this afternoon.

Francois Doumen intends to run last season's top juvenile hurdler Bilboa in the Stg£50,000 contest, while other interesting contenders are 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle winner Landing Light from the Nicky Henderson yard, and the Paul Nicholls-trained Azertyuiop.

Entries: Armaturk, Azertyuiop, Bilboa, Dibea Times, First Ballot, Hors La Loi III, Istabraq, Landing Light, Milligan and Valiramix.

William Hill: 5-4 Istabraq, 11-2 Valiramix (from 8), 7-1 Landing Light, 12-1 Bilboa, Westender, 14-1 Azertyuiop, Jair du Cochet, Ned Kelly, 16-1 Arctic Owl, 20-1 Ansar, 33-1 Armaturk, Brother Joe, Barton, Colonel Yeager, Dark Shell, First Ballot, Grimes, Stage Affair, Tiger Groom, 40-1 Montalcino 50-1 bar.