Edward O'Grady today dismissed claims that Ned Kelly is to bypass a clash with Istabraq in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next week.
O'Grady's horse is as short as 5-1 with Ladbrokes and the Tote for the hurdling crown after impressing in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on his latest start.
The six-year-old, seen by many as the principal threat to Istabraq's bid for an historic fourth title, is owned by Sue Magnier, whose husband John is an associate of Istabraq's owner, J P McManus.
A report in one newspaper today quotes O'Grady's amateur jockey Philip Fenton on the likelihood of a potential clash as saying "it's not going to happen as Ned Kelly will not be taking him on."
The report comes after O'Grady revealed last month that a few of his horses have "runny noses" and that "it's very worrying at this time."
However, O'Grady himself features in an article in today's Racing Postwhere Ned Kelly is reported to have thrived since his last run and to be on target for his Cheltenham date.
Asked about the rumours surrounding Ned Kelly's participation, O'Grady replied: "Did you read today's Racing Post? Good.
"The reporter was on my gallops yesterday, he saw him work yesterday, he saw him school yesterday and I think that should be enough for you."