Racing:Hardy Eustace produced a power-packed display to fight off reigning champion Brave Inca in a hotly-contested renewal of the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The Dessie Hughes-trained 10-year-old made just about all the running in the two-mile Grade one event and refused to give way when strongly pressed throughout the final stages.
The 9-1 shot stuck to his guns in gritty style to see off 11-8 favourite Brave Inca by three lengths, with Macs Joy close behind in third.
As soon as the tapes went up, Hardy Eustace's regular partner Conor O'Dwyer signalled his intention to make the race a proper test and adopted a customary front-running role.
Tony McCoy was keen to keep close tabs on the winner and ensured Brave Inca tracked him closely as the race took shape halfway down the back straight.
Having come off the bit briefly, Colm Murphy's warrior looked to have momentarily gained the upper hand after just touching down in front over two out.
Hardy Eustace was quick to engage in battle with Brave Inca, however, and an absorbing race ensued.
But while that pair settled down to fight out the race, Barry Geraghty was creeping closer on Macs Joy.
Jessica Harrington's star was having his first run for 275 days and although his effort began to tell late on, he stayed on stoutly to claim third.
Brave Inca displayed all his renowned battling qualities but was unable to overhaul Hardy Eustace, who galloped on to record a thrilling victory and give Hughes a high-profile double on the card following Schindlers Hunt's success in the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novice Chase.