Connections of leading Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle hope Go Native are counting down the days until they get a shot at a £1million bonus at Cheltenham.
Noel Meade’s seven-year-old has been a revelation this year and has not looked back since winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival. A successful season over hurdles has seen him land the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdle and he has emerged as one of the market leaders for the hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival.
The two races he has won this season means he is now in line for the WBX Hurdling Triple Crown and victory at Cheltenham for the horse would see the betting exchange pay out £1million to connections.
Jockey Paul Carberry will be in the saddle when they head to Cheltenham and he explained: "He's in great form.
"I saddled him (at Kempton) and I was pleased with him that day but I knew he'd pull himself up a bit after the last as the ground was very gluey.
"He much prefers better ground and hopefully it will be in March but we're very happy with him.
"He's the sort of horse I love riding," explained.
Follow this link to Ladbrokes for information on how to get a free bet on the 2010 Champion Hurdle..
Champion Hurdle - Ladbrokes
2m, Cheltenham, March 2010
5 Zaynar, 6 Go Native, 6 Solwhit, 8 Binocular,8 Punjabi, 9 Khyber Kim, 10 Celestial Halo, 14 Starluck, 16 Voler La Vedette, 25 Sublimity, 50 Quevega, others on request (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
