Two-Time Champion Hurdle Winner, Hardy Eustace, Passes Away at Age 27
Guided by the late Dessie Hughes, he emerged triumphant in an impressive tally of 14 wins during his 48-race career.
The racing community mourns the loss of Hardy Eustace, a remarkable horse who achieved the prestigious title of Champion Hurdle winner twice.
Trained by the late Dessie Hughes, this beloved gelding left a lasting legacy with an impressive tally of 14 victories from 48 races throughout his illustrious career.
Notably, Hardy Eustace showcased his talent at the renowned Cheltenham Festival, where he emerged victorious on three occasions. In 2003, guided by the skilled jockey Kieran Kelly, he triumphed in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park. Returning the following year, he defied the odds as a 33-1 outsider, leading from start to finish in the Champion Hurdle, with Conor O'Dwyer skillfully guiding him to glory. The 2005 rendition of the same race witnessed Hardy Eustace as a 7-2 joint-favourite, demonstrating his tenacious spirit as he triumphed in a fiercely contested battle against Harchibald and Brave Inca, etching his name in the annals of memorable Champion Hurdles.