Hardy Eustace all set for Navan return

CHAMPION hurdler Hardy Eustace will start back on the road to a Cheltenham defence when he has his first run of the season at Navan on Sunday.

Dessie Hughes’ stable star was forced to miss an engagement at Fairyhouse nine days ago after scoping dirty, but the reigning champion was yesterday confirmed on course for the Grade Two Giltspur Scientific Tara Hurdle.

“He schooled this morning and I was very happy with him,” said Hughes. “I won’t scope him again until Friday before the declarations but the intention is to run at the weekend. He scoped last week and was clean.”