Istabraq crashes out again at last

It was billed as Istabraq day but, like here on New Year's Eve, he fluffed his lines at the final hurdle!

Moscow Flyer took full advantage when left clear to record his biggest win to-date in the #115,000 Shell Champion Hurdle.

The triple Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner looked sure to add this valuable prize to his role of honour until taking off half a stride too soon, and crashing out upsides the front-running Moscow Flyer at the last. The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding was under strong driving from Barry Geraghty at the time.

'It's sort of unsatisfactory', was Harrington's immediate reaction, while J P McManus was in typically philosophical mood saying: 'You can't take anything for granted, and there are no lives lost'.

'Moscow Flyer was bought to go chasing. We still have to see how he jumps but he will probably be sent novice chasing next season', said Mrs Harrington.

Aidan O'Brien commented: 'He is getting idle, lazy and a bit careless. He seems fine, will go straight out to grass, and a similar campaign is planned for next season'.

Sean Graham makes Istabraq 2/1 to land the Smurfit Champion Hurdle again next year.

Sackville earned a 10/1 quote from the Belfast firm (16/1 with Cashmans) for the 2002 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup after extended his winning sequence to seven this season in the Captain Christy Novice Handicap Chase.

David Casey sent the eight-year-old gelding to the front approaching the final fence and, despite giving 21lb to his rivals, stayed on strongly to beat Shannon Gale by six lengths.

'The Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse is a possibility but we will see how he comes out of this first', said a delighted winning trainer Frances Crowley afterwards.

J P McManus had reason to smile later on when Like-A-Butterfly maintained her unbeaten record in the Champion Bumper, staying on gamely to deny Davenport Milenium by a length-and-a-half.

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