Conor O'Dwyer rode Hardy Eustace to Champion Hurdle wins in 2004 & 2005

Double Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace will line up for a crack at a third success in the race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The 12-year-old trailed in 12th in the World Hurdle at last year's Festival.

But after a promising outing at Leopardstown, trainer Dessie Hughes has opted to return to the shorter race.

"We're pleased with him, he quickened well in the straight. We'll let him take his chance in the Champion. He's run it well every year," said Hughes.

Hardy Eustace had been suffering from a lung infection which explained below-par performances on his last two starts and it will be his seventh successive trip around the Prestbury Park circuit at the Festival.

Dual winner of the race in 2004 and 2005 following his Supreme Novices' victory in 2003, he was third in 2006 and fourth in 2007.

But no 12-year-old has won the Champion while only two 11-year-olds - Hatton's Grace (1951) and Sea Pigeon (1981) - have been successful.

And bookmakers believe Hardy Eustace has little chance, quoting him at 100-1 to defy history, with Binocular a short-priced favourite.

606: DEBATE When's the final declaration for the Champion Hudle as I am eager to know if Whiteoak will line up - if so she has a cracking chance cole1818

Hughes has yet to decide whether to add Sunday's Leopardstown winner Shirley Casper to the list. She is in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle on the first day.

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