Footy Facts on the up, but end in sight for Hardy Eustace

FOOTY Facts proved himself on course for a crack at the Thyestes at Gowran Park in three weeks when slamming veteran Hardy Eustace in the Kathleen Clarke 80th Birthday Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday, when snow showers resulted in the County Kildare track adopting a seasonal look.

And while Robert Tyner makes plans for Footy Facts, Dessie Hughes admitted that this defeat was probably Hardy Eustace’s last run, explaining: “I have to discuss things with Lar (owner Lar Byrne). But I think it’s safe to say that this was his last run.”

Speaking about the gelding, which turns 13 today, Hughes added: “I was very fortunate to have a horse like him and lucky to find Conor O’Dwyer to ride him, It was a match made in heaven. I doubt if I’ll ever have another horse like him.”