Hardy Eustace on the verge of greatness

HARDY EUSTACE will bid to join the racing greats at Cheltenham today when he goes for glory in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

Only Hatton’s Grace, Sir Ken, Persian War, See You Then and Istabraq have managed three triumphs in the blue riband and Dessie Hughes’ star is a 6-1 chance to join that elite group.

In attempting his fourth successive victory at the Festival - he also won the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle in 2003 - he will be sporting a visor for the first time.