Eustace has Haydock option

Hardy Eustace may make his seasonal debut in the Commhoist Logistics Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock in January.

The eight-year-old has not been seen since completing back-to-back victories in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Hardy Eustace has been back in training for more than six weeks but has only been cantering for about half that time.

Trainer Dessie Hughes had been considering the Bewleys Hotel December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas but may wait until Haydock on January 21.

“He’s terrific and coming along very well,” said the Kildare trainer.

“I don’t think he’ll be fit enough to do himself justice at Leopardstown. I feel he’ll be just a fortnight off being ready.

“He might go instead for the Haydock race in January.”