O`Grady confirms Kelly`s Champion target

Ned Kelly is on course to tackle Istabraq and company in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next week, trainer Edward O`Grady confirmed today.

The six-year-old, seen by many as the principal threat to Istabraq`s bid for an historic fourth title, is owned by Sue Magnier, whose husband John is an associate of Istabraq`s owner, J P McManus.

A report in one newspaper today quotes O`Grady`s amateur jockey Philip Fenton on the likelihood of a potential clash as saying 'it`s not going to happen as Ned Kelly will not be taking him on.'

O`Grady`s horse is as short as 5-1 with Ladbrokes and the Tote for the hurdling crown after impressing in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on his latest start.

But O`Grady, speaking today on RTE Radio Sport, rubbished those claims.

He said: 'All I can tell you is he did his all but one final workout this morning. He worked very well and we were very pleased with him.

'Now, between now and next Sunday if something untoward were to happen to Ned Kelly or one of the others well obviously we would have less than seven (runners).

'But that is the only reason Ned Kelly or any of the others won`t go to Cheltenham, not because of the opposition or anything else. They are all on course and will take their chances on their merits.

'There was a possible 10, as I say it`s probably down to six - I haven`t spoken to the owners and I would prefer to discuss it with them before I discuss it on the national airwaves.

'As far as I am concerned, unless something untoward happens to him (Ned Kelly) between now and Sunday when he travels he will be there on the day to take on all-comers.

'I think he is a worthy contender. If Istabraq is on his best form he would be very, very hard to beat. I`m hoping he will beat the rest of the English horses and after that we`ll take our chances.'