Hardy Eustace to run in World Hurdle

Trainer Dessie Hughes has stated that his stablestar Hardy Eustace is to bypass the Champion Hurdle in favour of the World Hurdle.

The dual Champion Hurdle winner galloped after racing at Leopardstown yesterday and Hughes later reported "I discussed it with his owner after he worked in Leopardstown and we have decided to let him take his chance in the World Hurdle."

"He can´t be as quick as he used to be and the longer race will suit him better."

Hardy Eustace is to be joined in the World Hurdle by stablemate Siegemaster.

Hughes added "Siegemaster will definitely run in the World Hurdle. He´s a nice type of horse and is a half brother to Our Vic. He stays very well, is a good ´leaper´ and is in good condition for the race and hopefully he´ll run a good race."

Hughes also had news on his other runners at the Festival.

He mentioned "Schindler´s Hunt was unlucky in Naas last Sunday when he unseated Roger (Loughran) but win run in the Champion Chase. He´ll like the track and hopefully he may run into a place. If he came back to his best novice form he´d have a good chance.

He added "Fond Of A Drop is an intended runner in the Sun Alliance Novice Hurdle and has done nothing wrong this season. He´s won and was just beaten in Punchestownown the last day and worked well at Leopardstown. The owners are anxious to run and he´ll take his chance."