Istabraq is on target to return to action in Sunday's Duggan Brothers Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse. The dual Champion Hurdle hero, winner of the John James McManus Memorial Hurdle at Tipperary last month, has already won the Grade One event for the past two seasons.

A spokesman for trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed: "The plan is for Istabraq to go there."

Istabraq could be joined by stablemate Le Coudray in the two-and-a-half mile contest for which six horses stood their ground at yesterday's confirmation stage.

The sole British acceptor is the David Evans-trained Master Beveled, third to Istabraq in the race last year.

There are two other Grade One races on the Fairyhouse card, the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, won by Istabraq in 1996, and the CPM Drinmore Novice Chase.

The new stand, part of Fairyhouse's £9.5 million development, has been completed and will be in operation at the two-day meeting.

The admission charge on Saturday is £10 and £15 on Sunday. There will be no reserved enclosure at the track from now on.

The big race in England on Saturday is the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup and 17 horses stood their ground at yesterday's five-day declaration stage. Suny Bay heads the weights on 11st 10lb.

Nicky Henderson yesterday described the ground at Newbury as "beautiful" after walking the course to assess Fiddling The Fact's chances of running. Henderson said: "I haven't had a chance to speak to my owners yet but as far as I'm concerned Fiddling The Facts will run."

Young Kenny pleased trainer Peter Beaumont in a work-out after racing at Newcastle yesterday but may still need more rain to arrive to take his chance.

Another trainer who would prefer rain to arrive is Ever Blessed's handler Mark Pitman whose charge is currently on 9st 4lb in the long handicap.