Hardy Eustace on easy list

HARDY EUSTACE’S blood was found to be wrong following his poor display in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The dual Smurfit Champion Hurdle hero will be on the easy list for at least a week before connections decide if they can get another prep run into the nine-year-old before he bids for a hat-trick of victories in the Cheltenham feature in March.

Trainer Dessie Hughes had been considering the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park on February 18 for Hardy Eustace, who put in a rare under-par display when last of seven behind Brave Inca on Sunday.