The form of Champion Hurdle contenders has not yet sorted itself out and the win of Macs Joy over Solerina, Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca in the Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown today further clouded the picture.
The competitive six runner field were taken along by Solerina, adopting her customary front running tactics but failed to open up a big enough lead at any stage.
Her challenge eventually faded out from the second last flight, where Macs Joy and Barry Geraghty swept to the front, staying on to beat the staying on Brave Inca.
Hardy Eustace looked to have his chance but faded on the run to the last.
The delighted winning trainer Jessica Harrington later reported 'Macs Joy was very good today and was always travelling well. He jumped brilliantly, much better than the last day at Punchestown.'
Regarding future plans, Harrington mentioned 'he may go for the AIG Champion Hurdle next month while a repeat bid in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury is also on the cards, depending on how the handicapper treats him.'
Elsewhere, Paul Carberry, fresh from his harmless victory wave back to Best Mate yesterday, recorded three more winners.
Charlie Swan provided Strong Project with his first win, running out an impressive winner of the opening Coyle Hamilton Willis Beginners' Chase.
Beef Or Salmon's trainer Michael Hourigan then provided Carberry with his second win in the Madigans Novice Handicap Hurdle.
The winner made all and was completing the final leg of an across the card double for Hourigan, who saddled Just to win Handicap Hurdle at Limerick, under good 7lb claimer Davy Flannery.
Carberry was also on the mark for his employer Noel Meade when Carndale won the Vivian Dowd Memorial Handicap Hurdle while in-form Tom Taaffe landed the bumper with Merdeka, under top amateur Jamie Codd.
