Hardy misses Gowran date

Dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace is a notable absentee in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran on Saturday.

Dessie Hughes warned his rejuvenated hurdler would not run if the ground was too testing and has been withdrawn along with Asian Maze, Adamant Approach, Jazz Messenger and Mansony.

The Grade Two contest has attracted five entries at the final declaration stage, however, including Champion Hurdle hope Macs Joy.

Jessica Harrington’s eight-year-old won this race 12 months ago and made an encouraging seasonal bow when third to Hardy Eustace in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January.

The enigmatic Harchibald is also engaged, having had just one run this term when a disappointing fourth at Tipperary last October.

Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill reverts back to timber after falling in the Tied Cottage Chase earlier this month, while Laetitia makes an intriguing comeback.

Charles Byrnes’ charge will have her first outing since November 2005 when she defeated the useful Mossbank at Cork.

Conna Castle, second to Straw Bear in a Grade Two at Aintree last April, completes the line-up.