REBECCA RETURNS Lady Rebecca, one of the leading staying hurdlers over the last two seasons, is set to make a comeback, it emerged today. The eight-year-old mare retired from racing after finishing third to Rubhahunish in the Champion Stayers` Hurdle at Punchestown in May and was covered later that month by Sovereign Water. However, she failed to get in foal and returned to trainer Venetia Williams` Hereford base today. Lady Rebecca has raced just three times since the beginning of last season starting with a second consecutive victory in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January and that race is once again her target. 'We`re delighted to get her back. She`s been a wonderful servant,' Miss Williams said. 'We`ve got her back a bit earlier this time so we are going to try and aim her at the stayers` hurdle (Long Walk Hurdle) at Ascot in December before trying to win the Cleeve Hurdle with her for the third time. 'I don`t think chasing is on the owners` agenda because she is dueto be covered again next year.' Lady Rebecca has won three bumpers and nine hurdle races from 18 starts to date.
