Fly missing from Istabraq line-up Hurricane Fly is the most notable absentee after eight runners were declared for the Istabraq Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on Thursday. The Willie Mullins-trained ace was last season's star two-mile hurdler, landing the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown. However he missed an intended engagement at the latter venue last month as Mullins was not happy with his charge, and rumours have been circling during the last week that he would also miss his entry over the Festive period. Although Hurricane Fly does not take his chance, the champion trainer is still represented by the hugely-talented Thousand Stars, winner of the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on his latest start. Colm Murphy has declared his superb mare Voler La Vedette, but she is expected to line up at Leopardstown today instead. Other participants include Unaccompanied, Oscars Well and The Real Article.
