Istabraq set for racecourse gallop

Istabraq may have a racecourse gallop in Ireland today, his trainer Aidan O'Brien has revealed.

Istabraq may have a racecourse gallop in Ireland today, his trainer Aidan O'Brien has revealed.

"We want to take his preparation a step further by getting a racecourse gallop into him. But it all depends on the weather and the ground," said the Tipperary trainer.

"Wherever he goes he'll do a lap of the track and perhaps jump a hurdle. Charlie Swan will ride him."

The triple Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner has just had the one race this season at Leopardstown in December when he narrowly defeated Bust Out.

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O'Brien has resisted the temptation to give the horse a competitive outing before his bid to win the Cheltenham showpiece for a record fourth time.

Istabraq is 15-8 favourite with Coral for the race on Tuesday, March 12th.

PA