Halford keeps his faith in Golden Cross

Three of the top hurdlers are going for tomorrow’s AIG Irish Champion Hurdle. Michael Halford’s Golden Cross might not be rated as one of them, but, the trainer tells Declan Colley he deserves his chance and could surprise people.

WHEN Golden Cross won the Grade One Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown in 2003 over two miles, he beat a class field which included such stars as Spirit Leader, Flame Creek, Solerina, Back in Front and Rhinestone Cowboy. In fact, subsequent dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace was also in that race and finished last of the seven in the field.

Tomorrow Golden Cross returns to the scene of his biggest triumph and, taking on the likes of Hardy Eustace, Macs Joy and Brave Inca, is not necessarily fancied to do the business. However, his softly-spoken trainer Michael Halford is in no doubt his seven year old deserves his place in the field.