Hardy will be back for more

Retirement not on the agenda for veteran hurdler

Last updated: 4th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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hardy eustace

Hardy Eustace

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Hardy Eustace is likely to race on despite finishing sixth in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.

Trainer Dessie Hughes was pleased with the performance of the former two-time Champion Hurdle winner in ground softer than ideal.

Hughes believes the 12-year-old will strip fitter for the outing and is still capable of winning races.

"He ran well for a long way and just got a bit tired as he was the only horse in the race without a run," said the County Kildare handler.

"He quickened well from the mile to the turn for home and he just had a heave then before coming back a bit going to the second last.

"In that ground he'd be entitled to come on a good bit for it. We're very happy with how he ran and he seems to have come out of it well.

"We'll have a look at running him at Christmas but we might even keep him for the spring - we don't have to be making any decisions just yet.

"He enjoys his work and enjoys his racing and if we can find a race we think he might be capable of winning, we'll let him take his chance again.

"He loved it on Wednesday and jumped as well as ever and looked great. We'll see how he is and just play along.

"There are no great expectations but he might be able to nick one somewhere."