Oscar Whisky set for World Hurdle (From Swindon Advertiser)

Oscar Whisky set for World Hurdle

6:00am Monday 18th February 2013 in Sport

OSCAR Whisky is likely to take his chance in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next month, according to owner Dai Walters.

Trainer Nicky Henderson and Walters have had many sleepless nights over the Cheltenham target for the dual Aintree Hurdle winner.

But after he ran a fine race to be touched off by Reve De Sivola in the Cleeve Hurdle over three miles, the World Hurdle is now preferred over another crack at the Champion Hurdle, in which he finished third in 2011.

Oscar Whisky was fifth in the World Hurdle last season but connections remain convinced the horse was not himself that day.

“He’s very well,” Walters said.

“We’ll wait and see what the weather is like.

“I’ll be fair to the public and say he’ll go for the World Hurdle, but I have paid £1,000 this week to leave him in the Champion Hurdle as things can change.”