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Hughes confirms Hardy Eustace retirement
By James Burn and Justin O'Hanlon 3:26PM 31 DEC 2009 DUAL Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace was retired on Thursday after he was beaten by Footy Facts in the Kathleen Clarke 80th Birthday Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.
Hardy Eustace, who turns 13 on Friday, notched 14 victories over his career. Successes included a bumper, 12 hurdles (including seven at Grade 1 level) and a sole Flat win at Navan in October 2003.
Trainer Dessie Hughes said on Thursday: "We're retiring Hardy following today's run. If you can't beat Footy Facts, well, he's going to find it tough and he's not getting any younger. It's the fairest thing."
The Laurence Byrne-owned gelding has not won since November 2008 - nine starts ago - and following his 13-length defeat at Punchestown.
Reflecting on Hardy Eustace, Hughes added:
By James Burn and Justin O'Hanlon 3:26PM 31 DEC 2009 DUAL Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace was retired on Thursday after he was beaten by Footy Facts in the Kathleen Clarke 80th Birthday Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.
Hardy Eustace, who turns 13 on Friday, notched 14 victories over his career. Successes included a bumper, 12 hurdles (including seven at Grade 1 level) and a sole Flat win at Navan in October 2003.
Trainer Dessie Hughes said on Thursday: "We're retiring Hardy following today's run. If you can't beat Footy Facts, well, he's going to find it tough and he's not getting any younger. It's the fairest thing."
The Laurence Byrne-owned gelding has not won since November 2008 - nine starts ago - and following his 13-length defeat at Punchestown.
Reflecting on Hardy Eustace, Hughes added:
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Replies: 18
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Thought he should have his own thread on here!
One of my fav horses ever! As tough as nails! :) |
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yes a wonderfull warrior , happy retirement hardy .
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He would make a lovely Open-Lightweight Pt-to-POINTER.Dead Cert.
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Ha ha, HH I think he's earned a rest.
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Fully deserved.
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Legend.
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great horse.and great sporting connections
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tough as old boots, great hoss
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great horse who gave us many happy memories
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Harchi - Brave Inca - Harchibald - Mac Joy
What a quartet ! Will we ever be as spoiled again ? |
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One of the great warriors.
Hardy day to finish out. |
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It is about time that this was done.
Pot hunting with the old warrior was getting very annoying. Don't any of the 4 mentioned were hurdling greats but were all very high class during what was a non-vintage period of hurdling. |
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jesus dv it was the best time ever imo!
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controversial DV, that period was recognised as being a 'golden era' of hurdling.....and Hardy was king
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I'll never forget the race where hardy, macs joy and brave inca were within a length of eachother, i think it was in leopardstown.
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Don't think they were pot hunting DH said the horse would be lost without racing.
Legend - not too many triple cheltenham winners out there and would have had a right shot at a fourth if it wasn't for interrupted prep. Remember backing him at 4/1 to beat rooster in punchestown after he had already beaten him 5l at cheltenham, one of best bets I ever had! |
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he gave us some great days, champ
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Happy Retirement Legend. You gave me some great days especially in the Cotswolds.
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