RIVALS CAN ONLY D’AIR TO DREAM

BUVEUR D’AIR remains the horse to beat in the 2020 Champion Hurdle — despite losing his crown at Cheltenham last March, trainer Nicky Henderson claimed yesterday.

The JP McManus-owned dual winner, who fell at the third flight when seeking a hat-trick, will make his return in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle a fortnight on Saturday.

“It was sad what happened at Cheltenham, but these things happen,” said the Seven Barrows trainer (above). “He is probably the one they all have to beat on paper.

“There are some young horses coming through, but it would be great if he could make it to Cheltenham again and win a third Champion.”