Old favourite Hardy Eustace today entered the fray for the 2009 Champion Hurdle with a ‘class is permanent’ style win in the Grade One Maplewood Development Hurdle at Punchestown.
The eleven-year-old spoiled what many thought would be a match between Henry de Bromhead’s-Sizing Europe, and impressive Cork winner Jered – both of whom could only trail home behind Paddy Flood’s mount.
Hills have installed the dual-Champion Hurdle winner at 20-1 for a third victory at Cheltenham, trimming Sizing Europe to 7-1 from 8-1 (after post-race support), and easing Jered to 10-1 from 7-1.
At Cheltenham, Tatenen was the talk of the town after a superlative performance in the opener at Prestbury Park. The Paul Nicholls-trained novice is now 7-2 (from 5-1) for the Arkle in March.
Numide – who pulled off a week-long gamble in the Greatwood Hurdle has been installed as a 40-1 chance for the Champion Hurdle, whilst runner-up Aigle D’Or is now 25-1 from 50-1.
Kate Miller, spokeswoman for Hills, said: ‘’As always, racing never ceases to amaze. Hardy Eustace was seemingly in the twilight of his career, and after today’s victory has now reappeared on the scene for a third Champion Hurdle. After another difficult Open meeting, Paul Nicholls’s Tatenen turned in an enormous performance, and although it seems inconceivable that a horse could be 7-2 for an Arkle in November – his performance today merits that price.’’
Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle: 6-1 Binocular, 7-1 Crack Away Jack, Sizing Europe (from 8-1), Katchit, 8-1 Osana, 10-1 Jered (from 7-1), Punjabi, Sublimity, 14-1 Ashkazar, Snap Tie, 16-1 Celestial Halo, Pierrot Lunaire, 20-1 Hardy Eustace (inserted), 25-1 Aigle D’Or (from 50-1), Chomba Womba, 33-1 Blue Bajan, Franchoek, Squadron, 50-1 Won in the Dark(from 33-1) Others On Request- (EW 1/4 1,2,3)