Istabraq on top

Istabraq is almost a stone better than any other hurdler in Britain and Ireland - and that's official.

The first official Anglo-Irish classification of hurdlers and chasers was announced yesterday and even allowing for the 10lb rating differential for hurdlers between the UK and Ireland, Istabraq (186) comes out 13lb clear of Limestone Lad. Dato Star is the top-rated English hurdler on 170.

The last two Gold Cup winners, Looks Like Trouble and See More Business, are joint top-rated chasers on 174 with Ireland's Florida Pearl next on 170 while the ill-fated Gloria Victis is the top-rated novice on 166.

Among the novice hurdlers Monsignor was rated 160 in the two-and-a-half-mile bracket. Dermot Weld's Stage Affair was next in the rankings on 156, making him the best two-mile novice hurdler.

While Flat horses have been placed in an official classification since 1971, this is the first time there has been a National Hunt equivalent.