Brave Incacan out battle Harchibald

BRAVE INCA, with Tony McCoy confirmed as his new partner, gets the nap to outbattle Harchibald in a fascinating Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.

On Cheltenham Champion Hurdle running there is little or nothing between the pair. Hardy Eustace beat Harchibald a neck then and it was a further neck to Brave Inca.

Paul Carberry was the subject of some unwarranted criticism for his handling of Harchibald, who looked sure to score for most of the straight. But he found the minimum when let down and managed to turn victory into defeat. Harchibald has no hill to face now and that is obviously in his favour.