Paddy Brennan and Osana won the 2007 International Hurdle

Cheltenham's most valuable hurdle race outside the Festival meeting has lost a quarter of its prize money.

The Boylesports.com International Hurdle, which is run at the December meeting, will be worth £150,000 compared to £200,000 last year.

Head of sponsorship Peter McNeile told BBC Gloucestershire: "We're taking a fairly cautious approach, and it's the only race which has dropped in value.

"It will still attract candidates for the Champion Hurdle at the Festival."

Overall, prize money for the whole season at Prestbury Park is only marginally down at £5.77m.

"Part of our reaction has been governed by what is happening in Ireland," added McNeile.

"The economy over there is pretty tough and we need to protect our own position. Any fancy prizes need to show their results on the bottom line."

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