Strong opposition for Brave Inca

CHAMPION Hurdler Brave Inca will face a maximum of eight rivals in what looks a fascinating renewal of the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Colm Murphy’s charge proved in the Festival Hurdle on his last start when beating rising star Iktitaf that he is still going to be the one to beat come March.

The nine-year-old just got the better of Macs Joy in a fantastic tussle for this race 12 months ago and the two look likely to meet again as Jessica Harrington’s charge is set for his first start of the season.