Hardy too strong for Inca in AIG

Punters were treated to a titanic duel in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown as Hardy Eustace proved too strong for Brave Inca in a pulsating finish.

The former dual Champion Hurdle winner had three lengths to spare over the current title-holder at the line after the ?150,000 contest.

Conor O'Dwyer took up his customary front-running role on the 10-year-old but he was harried throughout by Brave Inca.

Tony McCoy's mount threw down a strong challenge after the second last and joined Hardy Eustace over the last.

The veteran had too much in reserve on the run-in, however, and stayed on strongly to shrug off his rival close home.

'I thought he might need it as he had a good break after Cheltenham last time,' said Hughes afterwards.

'He was probably a bit unlucky there and I would be quietly confident of turning it around with Detroit City. He will be 5lb better off and the better ground will suit.'

'He has won on heavy but is a serious horse on good ground. He'll go for the Red Mills Hurdle now. It's seven weeks to Cheltenham and if I take him to Gowran I don't have to work him.'

'We decided that there would be no messing today and when he's out in front blinkers are an asset. Conor said he's better than ever. He has to have a chance of winning a third one now.'

Brave Inca's trainer Colm Murphy was gracious in defeat: 'It was a hell of a race! He made a mistake three out which didn't help and met a few wrong today for some reason.

'The ground was neither one thing or another. He was beaten fair and square today but I would like to think there is a bit of improvement to come on better ground in March.'

William Hill halved Hardy Eustace to 5/1 from 10/1 for the festival showpiece.

Hughes was completing a big race double as Schindlers Hunt had earlier completed back-to-back Grade 1 successes when claiming the Baileys Arkle Chase in good style.

Roger Loughran sent the 8/13f clear after the second last and he kept on well on the run-in to hold King Johns Castle at bay by two lengths.

'It was a very good performance ? he idled a bit in front,' said Hughes. 'He'll go for the Power Gold Cup and we might find something in England in between.

'We'll look at the Ascot Chase (February 17th). He's always been a nice individual. He has pace and a bit of class.'

The winner was unfortunately not entered for the Arkle at Cheltenham due to an administrative error.

Kazal showed a terrific attitude when fending off the determined challenge of Aitmatov by a head in the Toshiba Copier Novice Hurdle.

'Three miles is what he wants and he's improving all the time. If the ground came up soft he could go for the Brit Insurances Hurdle at Cheltenham,' said trainer Eoin Griffin.

Griffin was also delighted with the run of Lounaos in the feature contest: 'She had three Champion Hurdlers in front of her and the experience should stand to her. She'll go straight to Cheltenham now for the Triumph.'

Scotsirish sprang a 20/1 shock in the opener when proving three-and-a-half lengths too strong for stable-mate Cobham.

'We gave a lot of money for him as a point-to-point horse but he disappointed in bumpers last year and he couldn't handle the ground at Cork last time,' said Willie Mullins.

'He's not bad. He's in the Ballymore Properties and on that run I would be keen to take him across. The better ground will suit him.'

Cheltenham bumper winner Hairy Molly was a length back in third on his return.

Mullins produced an exciting bumper prospect when Arbor Supreme ran out an easy winner of the concluding contest.

It was a first winner under rules for the trainer's nephew Emmet Mullins.

Liz Lalor conjured a surging late run from Carigeen Kalmia to get up close home and nab In The High Grass in the Clarkson Financial & Property Handicap Chase.

Tony McCoy, out of luck on Brave Inca, got into the winners enclosure when Jet Propelled finished with a flourish to claim the handicap hurdle.