British trio raid Leopardstown

Geos heads a three-strong British attack on the ?130,000 AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Nicky Henderson`s runner, along with Milligan and The French Furze, will attempt to become the first horse from England to take the race since Collier Bay.

He was successful for Jim Old in 1996 and he went on to win the Champion Hurdle itself at Cheltenham that season.

Geos is reverting to hurdles after making his British chasing debut on his only start so far this campaign when finishing second to the brilliant Edredon Bleu beaten four lengths at Huntingdon in November.

Last season, Geos won the Bonusprint Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham and Kempton`s Pertemps Christmas Hurdle.

Completing the British party are the Venetia Williams-trained Milligan, the mount of Tony McCoy, and The French Furze from Nicky Richards` Penrith yard.

Aidan O`Brien, who has won this race for the last four years with Istabraq, relies on Kilcash Castle this time.

The pick of the home contingent are Liss A Paoraigh and Ned Kelly, who were second and third respectively behind Limestone Lad at Fairyhouse eight weeks ago.

All eight horses in the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Novice Chase hold entries in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The likely contenders are Jessica Harrington`s Moscow Flyer, winner of his last three races, and the Pat Hughes-trained Mantles Prince, a former smart hurdler who got off the mark over fences at Punchestown three weeks ago.