Joseph O'Brien reveals likely Cheltenham Festival aim for 'one of Ireland's best novice hurdlers'

Talk The Talk (JJ Slevin, left) winning the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle

Talk The Talk (double green) gets up in the final stride to win the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

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Ireland's top novice hurdler Talk The Talk is set to take on Old Park Star in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, rather than step up in trip for the 2m5f Turners, for which he had been supported all the way down to 5-1.

The Supreme sponsors make the five-year-old 4-1 second favourite for the festival opener, and trainer Joseph O'Brien is keen to stick to his original plan with his rapid improver.

Talk The Talk swooped late to land the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on Sunday, coming from well off the pace to beat Ballyfad by a short head, with King Rasko Grey a further half-length back in third.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 4 February 2026inCheltenham Festival

Last updated 17:38, 4 February 2026

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