Harrington Pair Set For AIG

Jessica Harrington could be double-handed in the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 28.

Harrington is aiming both ACC Bank Champion Hurdle winner Macs Joy and Royal Bond winner Hide The Evidence at the Grade One event.

And with Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace, Asian Maze and Lounaos also being considered for the race, a cracking contest is in prospect.

'He was never going to be ready for the Morgiana so then we had him all set for the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle,' said Harrington of Macs Joy.

'The ferry was booked and everything but on the Wednesday before he pulled a muscle and he couldn't go.

'We hoped to get him back for Christmas but he wasn't ready in time so we are now preparing him for the AIG.

'Despite what else is being aimed at the race, he is definitely in the mix as well.

'He is working at the moment but you just have to be careful after they pull a muscle, it is not like a human being who knows how much they can do.

'With a horse you just have to play it by ear and see how they are and one tends to just always err on the side of caution.

'It could be good news for him (that he has not run yet) as he will be fresher than most like last season,' she told At The Races.

'Once we get the AIG out of the way he may go to the Red Mills at Gowran (February 17) and then hopefully he'll be spot on for the big day at Cheltenham in March.'

(C) PA Sport