Bewleys joy for Harrington

Macs Joy (7-1) put up a hugely impressive performance to claim the Grade One Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown today.

The Jessica Harrington-trained five-year-old was always cruising in behind early leader Solerina before Barry Geraghty moved up smoothly to challenge on the run to the last.

Although reigning champion hurdler Hardy Eustace tried to go with him, Macs Joy found a smart turn of foot to pull three lengths clear with the fast-finishing Brave Inca just pipping Hardy Eustace for third.

Solerina went off in front as usual and she set a keen early pace as Hardy Eustace and Macs Joy settled just on her heels.

The mare was still leading turning for home but the writing was on the wall for her as Hardy Eustace just got his head in front, with Geraghty all the while poised to make his move on the outside.

As Solerina faded out of it, Hardy Eustace – sent off the 6-4 favourite - narrowly took up the lead but Macs Joy was still cruising and Geraghty just had to push the button approaching the last.

Macs Joy quickly pulled clear as Brave Inca came with his late burst which just denied Hardy Eustace second place but neither looked like catching Mrs Harrington’s charge.