Menorah heads straight to Champion Hurdle

TRAINER Philip Hobbs on Saturday confirmed leading Stan James Champion Hurdle contender Menorah will head straight to Cheltenham in March, adding that he "couldn't be happier" with his stable star. 
The Diana Whateley-owned six-year-old, who won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at last year's Festival, showcased his claims for the Champion Hurdle, for which he is a best-priced 9-2, by beating Cue Card and SilviniacoConti at Cheltenham in December.

"He's really good," Hobbs told At The Races. "I couldn't be happier with him. After Cheltenham, we gave him an easy few weeks and we've started cantering him again. He's so fresh."

Hobbs, who saddled Rooster Booster to win the Champion Hurdle in 2003, added: "He doesn't want soft ground and there's not really a race to suit him.

"He's a gorgeous horse, who has got everything right about him.

"He'll definitely jump a fence, but if we're lucky enough to win a Champion Hurdle we'd have another go."