Istabraq has been confirmed as an intended runner in tomorrow week's AIG Europe Champion Hurdle. The Aidan O'Brien-trained horse will be attempting to secure an unprecedented fourth successive victory in the race following his shock last flight fall at Leopardstown on New Years Eve.

A Ballydoyle spokesman said yesterday evening: "All going well the plan is for Istabraq to run at Leopardstown. He has been fine since his last race."

The AIG had originally not figured in O'Brien's plans for Istabraq this season but it is felt the horse could not travel to Cheltenham in March on the back of such an unsatisfactory race as last time.

Eleven horses are entered for the AIG and a cross-channel presence depends on a morning workout at Newmarket today for the James Fanshawe trained Hors La Loi.

Moscow Flyer, Stage Affair and Mantles Prince, the first three in the dramatic New Years Eve race at Leopardstown have already been pencilled in for Sunday week's race.