Racing: Dessie Hughes reports dual Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace to be at the top of his game as he nears a return to action.
There was talk of retirement in some quarters after the 11-year-old finished down the field in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March but Hughes has been more than happy with his recent work.
"Hardy Eustace is very well and I am very happy with him just at the moment," said the trainer.
The veteran's sole victory last season came in November's Coral Ascot Hurdle, a race Hughes is again targeting.
He continued: "We will probably give him a spin on the Flat somewhere in the middle of this month and then head back to Ascot again for the race we won last year.
"There is a race at Fairyhouse we are looking at, but we will just have to see."