Punchestown start for Eustace

Hardy Eustace is set to have his first run since his Smurfit Champion Hurdle victory in a conditions race at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve.

The eight-year-old will make his seasonal reappearance in the newly-created Happy New Year Hurdle after trainer Dessie Hughes noticed he was allowed to run in the race.

A contest over two and a half miles, it is open to four-year-olds and upwards who have not won more than two hurdle races since May 2, 2004

“At the back of my mind this race was the plan when I knew he was qualified, but I wanted to keep it to myself,” Hughes told the Racing Post.

“I didn’t want to be taking on the real good horses at Leopardstown as they all had the benefit of a couple of runs under their belts, especially for our first start of the season.

“This race was open to us when I saw the conditions, so we felt if it all goes well we could start him off here instead as it looked the ideal contest.

“He’ll be fit enough for a race like this and I’m very happy with him.”