Hughes reports Hardy in good form Dessie Hughes is bullish about the prospects of Hardy Eustace in the Kathleen Clarke 80th Birthday Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday. The County Kildare trainer believes the dual Champion Hurdle hero can land his first win for 13 months the day before he is officially 13 years old. "If everything goes all right he should win that. He's in good form," said Hughes. Hardy Eustace, who won the corresponding race in 2005, was last seen finishing sixth behind Oscar Dan Dan in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse after making most of the running. He takes on six rivals tomorrow with long-term absentees Glencove Marina and Wild Passion fascinating contenders for Willie Mullins and Noel Meade respectively. Glencove Marina, a Grade One winner over timber, has been off the track with injury since running out a hugely impressive winner of the Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase at Leopardstown in January of last year. Wild Passion meanwhile, who has won twice at the highest level, is seeing the racecourse for the first time in over three years. King Of Ardcarne, Footy Facts, Hollywood Law and Southern Vic complete the line-up.
