Hardy all set for Champion

Trainer Dessie Hughes has indicated that Hardy Eustace will run in the Champion Hurdle next week, his seventh successive appearance at the Cheltenham Festival.

Dual winner of the race in 2004 and 2005 following his Royal & SunAlliance Novices' victory in 2003, he was third in 2006 and fourth in 2007 but was only 12th when stepped up to three miles for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle 12 months ago.

No 12-year-old has won the Champion while only two 11-year-olds - Hatton's Grace (1951) and Sea Pigeon (1981) - have been successful.

However, Hughes gave Hardy Eustace the go-ahead for another crack at the Champion following a satisfactory workout after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday.

"We were pleased with him, he quickened up well in the straight," said the Kildare trainer.

Hardy Eustace had been suffering from a lung infection which explained below-par performances on his last two starts, but he showed he was back to form.

"We'll let him take his chance in the Champion. He's run well in it every year," Hughes went on.