Strong turn-out for Long Walk as Hardy Eustace tries a new trip

HARDY Eustace will face a maximum of 14 rivals in the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

Dessie Hughes’ dual Champion Hurdle winner will attempt this three-mile-one-furlong trip for the first time in his career, with the outcome likely to determine his Cheltenham target.

Chief opposition is likely to come from Jonjo O’Neill’s Black Jack Ketchum, who returned to winning ways at Wetherby but was denied a run in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury because of soft ground.