'We've been here before with 'Jade' and it didn't go well'

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD bids to give Michael O'Leary a landmark first win in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle, and the Ryanair boss is in full pantomime mode as he tells DAVID YATES why the mare has a mountain to climb.

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THE people have spoken, and Brighterdaysahead runs in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

The racing public clamoured for the Gordon Elliott-trained star to cross swords with Constitution Hill on Tuesday rather than take the easy option of the Mares' Hurdle on the same card.

And owner Michael O'Leary has listened. And the moon is made of cream cheese.

"The speculation sells a lot of newspapers," urges the Ryanair boss, for whom talk of the voice of the populace is irresistible bait.

"But there's no point - I don't think the public cares. I never felt outside noise - in business, in life, or in anything!

"A Champion Hurdle would be more prestigious than a Mares' Hurdle, but she might not win a Mares' Hurdle."