Hardy Eustace is set to have his first run since his Smurfit Champion Hurdle victory in a conditions race at Punchestown on New Year´s Eve.

The eight-year-old will make his seasonal reappearance in the newly-created Happy New Year Hurdle after trainer Dessie Hughes noticed he was allowed to run in the race.

A contest over two and a half miles, it is open to four-year-olds and upwards who have not won more than two hurdle races since May 2, 2004

'At the back of my mind this race was the plan when I knew he was qualified, but I wanted to keep it to myself,' Hughes told the Racing Post.

'I didn´t want to be taking on the real good horses at Leopardstown as they all had the benefit of a couple of runs under their belts, especially for our first start of the season.

'This race was open to us when I saw the conditions, so we felt if it all goes well we could start him off here instead as it looked the ideal contest.

'He´ll be fit enough for a race like this and I´m very happy with him.'

? PA Sport