Hughes stable firing on all cylinders

JUST four weeks to the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Dessie Hughes, trainer of reigning champion Hardy Eustace, received further proof of the well-being of his string when Akhtari and Sea Diva provided him with a 90/1 double at Punchestown yesterday.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary was present to see Akhtari, in the colours of his Gigginstown House Stud, make all to land the opening April Festival Maiden Hurdle in the hands of claimer Paddy Flood.

Bought out of John Oxx’s yard at the Newmarket Sales following a maiden win at Thurles, Akhtari was strongly pressed by both Tycoon Hall and Browny Boy turning for home but battled well to open his hurdling account.