Cheltenham Festival 2019: Gordon Elliott indicates Apple's Jade likely to run in the Champion Hurdle

Following her scintillating Irish Champion Hurdle win, Elliott is now keen to have a crack at the feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival – rather than running in the Mares' Hurdle.

Having slept on the decision and watched the replay again, Elliott is warming to the idea of a clash with dual champion Buveur D'Air, who recorded an easy win at Sandown on Saturday.

Elliott told Racing TV's Luck On Sunday: "Before yesterday I would have said that the Mares' Hurdle was the race to go for but she ran in the Mares' Hurdle last year and got beat.

"Talking about it last night and looking at the re-runs this morning – I'd prefer to get beat in a Champion Hurdle than a Mares' Hurdle.

"We'll all have a view but whatever Michael says will go.

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"Speaking to him this morning, the mare is ok after the race yesterday, we'd be mad not to give it a go."

"I watched Buveur D'Air this morning, he's obviously a very good horse who does what he has to do every day and is a horse I'd love to train but we'll take him on.

"Up until yesterday I would have been very nervous but to do what she did yesterday was very good, she loves a battle and I think Cheltenham suits her better than Leopardstown.

"Nothing is concrete but I'd say it's likely (to be the Champion Hurdle)."

Bookies cut Apple's Jade into the 15-8 joint favourite with Buveur D'Air following the morning news.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “We are now unable to separate Apple’s Jade and Buveur D’Air after this latest announcement.

"No doubt Nicky Henderson will be pulling his hair out and we’re pretty sure that the former will go off favourite on the day."

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