The horse of major interest to Rangers fans has to be Intersky Falcon part
owned by our own Michael Ball along with other footballing worthies Alan
Shearer and, principally, Terry McDermott. Intersky Falcon is a 6 year old
gelding trained by Cheltenham legend Jonjo O'Neill and his rise through the
hurdling ranks has been more Interstellar than Intersky.
In February 2002 he won a hurdle at Doncaster off a rating of 109. In May 2002 he won a hurdle off 148. This represents an improvement of 39lbs. His official
rating prior to the Champion Hurdle is 162, a further improvement of 14lbs.
So maybe he is still improving. His final prep race before the Champion
Hurdle was the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.
This has a reputation for being one of the strongest pointers to Champion Hurdle success. He won well that day and had last years Champion Hurdle winner and runner up , Hors La Loi III and Marble Arch, well beaten. So his chance is in the book for all to see. He is short enough with the bookmakers at 3/1, but he must have as good a chance as most in an open year.
However, as I have said elsewhere the horse with the best form, the best
course record, and the highest official rating in this race is Rooster
Booster and I will be hoping that he can lead home Intersky Falcon and
Rhinestone Cowboy.