RACING:Sizing Europe has suffered a a bruised foot which has put his participation in tomorrow's Leopardstown Golf Centre December Festival Hurdle in jeopardy. A decision on whether the six-year-old will take his chance in the Grade One feature, for which a field of nine has been declared, is likely to be made in the morning.
"He pulled out slightly sore this morning, I'm afraid," said trainer Henry de Bromhead today. "We're treating it and hopefully he'll be OK for tomorrow, but we're not sure at the moment and we're going to see how he is in the morning.
"He had a canter up the hill and he is fine on the grass - but he's not 100 per cent when he's on a firmer surface."
Brave Inca, winner of this race two years ago, bids to turn back the clock. The 2006 Champion Hurdle hero returned from a 19-month absence when second to Catch Me in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse four weeks ago.
"He is in very good form and came out of his last race well," said trainer Colm Murphy. "He knew he had had a race but has had four weeks to freshen up and I hope he will run really well.
"He seems in good order and still has the appetite for it.
"We were a bit stop-start with him before the Hatton's Grace, but have had a clear run since then."
Dessie Hughes reports Hardy Eustace to be in fine shape as the dual Champion Hurdle winner bids to win this race for the first time.
The veteran was runner-up to Al Eile 12 months ago, having finished third to Macs Joy in 2004.
"I'm happy with him, the ground should be fine and he should run a good race," said the County Kildare trainer. "He looks in good form and we've just kept him ticking over since his last run."
Robbie Hennessy is delighted to have Philip Carberry back from injury to renew his association with Sublimity.
Andrew McNamara took the mount when the 2007 Champion Hurdle winner made a pleasing debut in the "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle four weeks ago at Wetherby, where he was just touched off by Punjabi.
"Philip's back on him, he knows him well. He gave him a school and a gallop the other morning and is happy with him," said Hennessy.
"He's had a good few rides at Leopardstown the last couple of days and his fitness is grand."