Hardy on course for Ascot

Hardy Eustace is on target for the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday – and is also still under consideration for the Champion Hurdle.

Dessie Hughes’ brilliant 10-year-old came up trumps in the Coral Ascot Hurdle on his last start and could bid for a third Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival.

“Hardy Eustace is in good form and came out of his Ascot win last month well,” said the Co Kildare handler.

“The plan is to send him back to Ascot at the weekend. I’ve never ruled out the possibility of going for the Champion Hurdle and he will definitely be entered for the race – as well as for the World Hurdle over the longer trip.

“The Champion Hurdle looks wide open this season and we’ll just wait and see what unfolds,” Hughes told the Racing Post.