LORD`S CHAMPION AIM Connections of Lord Brex were today still hoping to get the five-year-old fit for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month. The Philip Hobbs-trained grey, winner of last season`s Glenlivet Anniversary Novices` Hurdle at Aintree, has not raced since chasing home Topacio in the IAWS Champion 4-y-o Hurdle at Punchestown in May due to an infection. 'He had an EHV (herpes) injection in his neck which he reacted to,' explained Hobbs`s wife Sarah. 'About one in a thousand react to the injection and he was one. His whole neck was swollen. 'But he is doing much better now and is cantering twice a day. We are still hoping to get him to Cheltenham.' Lord Brex is quoted at 66-1 for the Champion Hurdle by Ladbrokes.
