Hardy seeking Champion hat-trick

Dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace proved himself no back-number and again staked his Champion Hurdle claim with an effortless success in the Grade Two Coral Ascot Hurdle at the Berkshire track.

Although the trends are against him returning to the Festival in March and landing a hat-trick following his third-placed effort this year, he was unanimously trimmed in the betting for the Smurfit Kappa-sponsored event.