Istabraq pulled up in Champion

Istabraq made a sad exit from racing at Cheltenham today when the three-time Champion Hurdler jumped just two flights in this year`s renewal before being pulled up.

A stunned crowd reacted with a round-of-applause as Charlie Swan eased the gelding passing the stands.

Aidan O`Brien`s superstar never looked happy from the start and began dropping behind after the first hurdle.

Swan wisely decided to spare his mount when he dropped out of contention after the second.

'I jumped the first and his action went. I jumped the second and thought he might get a bit better but he didn`t and I just thought, for the good of the horse, to pull him up,' said Swan.

'In his fast paces he didn`t feel good. It`s unlike him not to take me along and he just didn`t take me.'

Explaining what had happened Aidan O`Brien said: 'Charlie said he landed on his back jumping the first hurdle.

'He felt him go very stiff and he didn`t want to take a chance with him so he pulled himup. He did the right thing.

'He had obviously tied up behind. He has been very stiff this year and his skeleton and muscles and body are showing signs of age.

'I have got to speak to his owner JP McManus but I would imagine he will be retired.'

Asked if it was a disappointment, O`Brien said: 'It isn`t a sad day as no lives were lost and we are all healthy. Istabraq felt no pain today as Charlie pulled him up very quick.

'It was a difficult decision to run today but we decided to let him run as there was no risk he would suffer any pain.

'If he had been injured I would feel bad but I am happy that he is healthy.'

Paying tribute to Istabraq, who also won the SunAlliance Novices` Hurdle at Cheltenham in 1997 and earned over #1million in career prize-money, O`Brien said: 'Obviously I will never have another National Hunt horse like him.

'I don`t think we`ll see another hurdler like him, with his natural ability and the way he used to jump and his enthusiasm.

'It was a privilege for all at Ballydoyle to have a horse like him.'