Istabraq was bred for the flat, being by the champion sire Sadler's Wells, who won the Irish 2,000 Guineas, and also being three parts brother to Epsom Derby winner Secreto.
Istabraq was tried unsuccessfully over a mile and failed to please his handlers and owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Shadwell Racing and a partner in his family's Godolphin Stables.
[2] When riding the horse back after his 1998 Champion Hurdle win, jockey Charlie Swan said, 'This one's for John,' in an interview with Channel 4's Lesley Graham.
On 16 November 1996 Istabraq made his hurdling debut and lost by a head to Noble Thyne at Punchestown.
Last years winner Make A Stand was a notable absence but the runner-up Theatreworld returned as one of the 18 runners.
The Champion Hurdle then became a procession in the home straight, as Istabraq won by 12 lengths from Theatreworld.
[3][4] The conditions for the Aintree Hurdle were soft, heavy in places with Istabraq the favourite.
Istabraq had his first start of the season in October at Tipperary in the John James McManus Memorial Hurdle.
There was a rematch for Istabraq's second start of the season in the Hattons Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
After the race winning jockey Barry Geraghty said "I thought I had Istabraq beat going to the last, I was the only one going in the right direction.
"[7] Istabraq's jockey Charlie Swan however said "He was tired but he always finds something, however, he's always been vulnerable in those sort of conditions.
[9] Istabraq reappeared the following season to defeat Bust Out by a head in the December Festival Hurdle.
[13] His main trainer, Aidan O'Brien, considered Istabraq "the horse of a lifetime" who was like a member of his family and a "mystical character" on account of his legacy.