 Conor O'Dwyer and Hardy Eustace have enjoyed Festival success |
Dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace will tackle the World Hurdle at next week's Cheltenham Festival rather than the Champion Hurdle. Trainer Dessie Hughes came to the decision with owner Laurence Byrne after the 11-year-old did some work after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday.
"The Champion looked another option at the time, but he can't be as quick as he used to be," said Hughes.
"The World Hurdle (on Thursday) should just suit him better."
Hardy Eustace will be chasing a fourth success at the Festival on Thursday week, having won the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle in 2003.
He landed his first Champion Hurdle the following season and defended his crown in 2005.
The 11-year-old chased home Lough Derg over three miles and one furlong at Ascot in December before finishing second to Al Eile and Sizing Europe on his last two outings.
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