Racing: Bookies on the run from Relkeel

RELKEEL HAS been cut to 16-1 from 40-1 by Ladbrokes for the Champion Hurdle after his Bula Hurdle hat-trick win at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The injury-prone 10-year-old was reported as "fine" yesterday by Alan King, his trainer, who added: "Everything seems all right and we'll keep our fingers crossed."

King will now try to keep the gelding in one piece as he prepares him for the Festival in March. "Basically we'll play it by ear," King said. "The Champion Hurdle is the target and he might not run until then, but if he did he would probably go to Haydock for the trial up there in January."

Latest Labrokes betting: 4-6 Istrabraq, 12-1 Hors La Loi, 14-1 Far Cry, 16-1 Relkeel, 20-1 Stage Affair, Dato Star, Sir Talbot, 25-1 Make A Stand, Rodock, She's Our Mare, Theatreworld, 33-1 bar.

Legal Right was reported to be "crippled" yesterday after his Tripleprint Gold Cup win. "That's normal for him," said trainer Jonjo O'Neill, who is not concerned as the gelding is persistently lame and is more used to the swimming pool than the gallops.

"He's come back fine, he's eaten up. He hasn't got any cuts which is the main thing.

"I haven't any plans at this stage to be honest, we'll wait and see what the handicapper does and what's available."