Hardy takes on 10 in Long Walk
Hardy Eustace will face 10 rivals in the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.
The dual champion hurdler will be attempting a trip in excess of three miles for the first time since the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in 2003, when he was well beaten by Iris’s Gift.
However, the 10-year-old showed he has lost none of his dash when beating Afsoun in the Ascot Hurdle last time.
Black Jack Ketchum perseveres down the staying-hurdle route and will represent Jonjo O’Neill.
Special Envoy, second behind Inglis Drever in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, and Oscar Park, a faller two out in the same race, will be hoping for better luck.
Chief Dan George, well beaten at Newbury but progressive last season, and vastly-improved handicapper Sonnyanjoe are also in the line-up.
The field is completed by Hills Of Aran, Kasbah Bliss, Lough Derg, Lyes Green and Oscardeal.
Blazing Bailey, Gaspara and Turpin Green are amongst those not declared.
