Champion Joy for Macs

Macs Joy just got the better of Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace to justify favouritism in an epic finish to the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown today.

Barry Geraghty had looked the picture of confidence turning for home on the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding when looking over his shoulder at his rivals but was made to fight tooth and nail to grab the Grade One prize.

Solerina had endeavoured to make all the running but was never able to establish a proper lead and was quickly challenged by Macs Joy on the back straight.

Geraghty led approaching the last but Hardy Eustace was hot on his heels, along with Brave Inca.

The latter had never travelled well and made a terrible mess of the the third flight.

But he found himself in contention and even led for a stride or two on the run-in only to be pipped by Macs Joy (11-8) by a short head at the line.