Hardy Eustace could switch Festival target

DESSIE HUGHES said yesterday that Hardy Eustace will switch from the Smurfit Champion Hurdle to the Coral Cup if Rhinestone Cowboy also goes for the latter contest at Cheltenham.

Hughes admitted that he is tempted to go for the £75,000 showcase handicap rather than the £300,000 blue riband if Jonjo O’Neill takes the same route with last year’s Champion Hurdle third.

Hardy Eustace will receive 12lb from Rhinestone Cowboy if they met in the Coral Cup, but the pair would be off level weights in the Champion.