Eustace faces first run at Navan
Champion hurdler Hardy Eustace will start back on the road to a Cheltenham defence when he has his first run of the season at Navan on Sunday.
Dessie Hughes’ stable star was forced to miss an engagement at Fairyhouse nine days ago after scoping dirty, but the reigning champion was today confirmed on course for the Grade Two Giltspur Scientific Tara Hurdle.
“He schooled this morning and I was very happy with him,” said Hughes. “I won’t scope him again until Friday before the declarations but the intention is to run at the weekend. He scoped last week and was clean.”
The seven-year-old has not been seen since defeating Rooster Booster in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, which followed his famous triumph over the same rival the previous month.
“I’m sure he’ll come on for his first run and it will be nice to see him back on the track – but he won’t run unless he is 100 per cent,” warned the County Kildare-based handler.
“We are happy with him, though, and I am sure he is alright.”
Eight horses were entered for the two-and-a-half-mile contest today, including Emotional Moment, Rosaker, Top Strategy and the front-running mare Solerina.
“It looks quite a decent race,” said Hughes. “We will have to follow Solerina round and try and keep up with her.
“We have missed a week and that won’t help us but I think he is nearly fit enough and will head to the Bewleys (Festival Hurdle) at Leopardstown over Christmas after the weekend.”
