Tombstone to be supplemented for Champion Hurdle

Tombstone, winner of the Grade 3 Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran Park on his most recent start, is to be supplemented for the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott, who has never had a runner in the race, said yesterday: "We've decided to supplement Tombstone to the Champion Hurdle once he remains in good form. He came out of his Gowran Park win very well and as it looks a wide open race this year, we've decided to let him take his chance in the Champion."

Tombstone is owned by Gigginstown House Stud who will also be represented in the big race two weeks tomorrow by the Henry de Bromhead-trained Petite Mouchoir, winner of the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

Bryan Cooper, Gigginstown's number one jockey, said: "I haven't even thought about it. I didn't know until today that Tombstone was going to be put in the race. I'm used to having to make those kind of choices and I won't be making a decision until much closer to the time."

The possibility of Tombstone being supplemented arose after his Gowran Park win when he beat Jezki by four lengths.

"Obviously he needs to improve but he hasn’t got many miles on the clock and the turnaround in form with Jezki last time was very encouraging,’’ Elliott said.

Tombstone ran at the Festival a year ago when he finished fourth behind Altior in the Supreme Novices Hurdle.

De Bromhead reported Petit Mouchoir, a dual Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown this season, in "good form " as the festival approaches. "All is good with him and we're happy," de Bromhead said.

Champion Hurdle entries