Hardy takes on 10 in Long Walk

Hardy Eustace will face 10 rivals in the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

The dual champion hurdler will be attempting a trip in excess of three miles for the first time since the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in 2003, when he was well beaten by Iris’s Gift.

However, the 10-year-old showed he has lost none of his dash when beating Afsoun in the Ascot Hurdle last time.

Black Jack Ketchum perseveres down the staying-hurdle route and will represent Jonjo O’Neill.

Special Envoy, second behind Inglis Drever in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, and Oscar Park, a faller two out in the same race, will be hoping for better luck.

Chief Dan George, well beaten at Newbury but progressive last season, and vastly-improved handicapper Sonnyanjoe are also in the line-up.

The field is completed by Hills Of Aran, Kasbah Bliss, Lough Derg, Lyes Green and Oscardeal.

Blazing Bailey, Gaspara and Turpin Green are amongst those not declared.