The Unibet Champion Hurdle, the headline act on the opening day of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, pits a hat-trick-seeking champion against a superstar mare as well as a mare with superstar potential. Picture: David Fitzgerald/SportsfileBuveur D’Air against Apple’s Jade with the unknown quantity that is Laurina thrown into the mix – Champion Hurdles do not come more fascinating. Victory today will see Buveur D’Air become the first horse since the mighty Istabraq and only the sixth in history to win this race three times. In Apple’s Jade, Buveur D’Air faces a Grade One-winning machine in the form of her life. Those two set an exacting standard and while the holder won’t surrender his crown without a fight, Buveur D’Air will struggle to beat Apple’s Jade giving her 7lbs.

Source: Irish Examiner March 12, 2019 05:26 UTC