Hardy Eustace (100-30) held off the late challenge of Rooster Booster to claim the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at Punchestown today.
Dessie Hughes' seven-year-old, winner of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, looked to be in trouble turning for home as Rooster Booster cruised up on the rail.
However, the 13-8 favourite was still some two lengths behind approaching the last flight and although Richard Johnson stoked him up for a determined effort, he could not catch Hardy Eustace, going down by a length.
