Stars set to shine at Punchestown

STAR performers such as Hardy Eustace, Harbour Pilot and Moscow Flyer are likely to be attracted by record prize money of €1.7m at the four-day Punchestown Festival next month.

The trio, who had conflicting fortunes at Cheltenham last week, have been pencilled in for the fixture that runs from April 27-30.

Hardy Eustace, winner of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, could go for the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle on the final day, when his rivals could include the runner-up Rooster Booster from Philip Hobbs’ stable.