Easy for Eustace

Dual Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace made a winning return to action with a facile success in the Happy New Year Hurdle at Punchestown.

The Dessie Hughes-trained eight-year-old appeared to have a simple task on paper against just two rivals in the two-and-a-half-mile contest, and so it proved.

Conor O’Dwyer’s mount was eased home after the last without being asked a question, and was value for much more than the one-length margin over Native Upmanship would suggest.

The field went a very steady gallop in the early stages, with the 1-8 favourite jumping with plenty of dash throughout on his first start since recording back-to-back successes in the blue riband at Cheltenham in March.

Bookmaker reaction was to leave him unchanged for a third success in the big one at the Festival – William Hill going 6-1, VC Bet 5s and Cashmans 11-2.