Three of the top hurdlers are going for tomorrow’s AIG Irish Champion Hurdle. Michael Halford’s Golden Cross might not be rated as one of them, but, the trainer tells Declan Colley he deserves his chance and could surprise people.

John Queally will wait until Friday morning before deciding whether to commit Al Eile to the Stan James Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.

Refinement gave Jonjo O’Neill deserved compensation for a miserable season when putting her experience to good use in landing a runaway victory in the Paddy Power Champion INH Flat Race at Punchestown this afternoon.

MACS JOY, fresh from Grade One success over the Christmas period, will try and complete the first leg of the Irish-English Champion Hurdle double at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Jessica Harrington today issued an upbeat bulletin on early favourite Macs Joy ahead of Saturday's AIG (Europe) Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Macs Joy (7-1) put up a hugely impressive performance to claim the Grade One Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown today.

MICHAEL BOWE hopes that Solerina has retained her form ahead of a mouth-watering rematch with Hardy Eustace in the Bewleys Hotels Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown today.

Dessie Hughes believes that Hardy Eustace has a “good chance of turning Solerina over” in the Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Paul Carberry’s availability could determine the running plans for leading Smurfit Champion Hurdle hope Harchibald.

BARACOUDA is set to be a surprise runner in the Tote Scoop6 Sandown Handicap Hurdle on Saturday as Francois Doumen’s champion continues his build-up to the Cheltenham Festival.

Champion Hurdle favourite Rhinestone Cowboy flopped in the Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown today as Golden Cross sprang a 66-1 shock.

Smurfit Champion Hurdle favourite Rhinestone Cowboy faces a stiff test when he lines up against the likes of Solerina and Back In Front at Leopardstown tomorrow.