Hardy Eustace outbattled Harchibald (Getty Images).

By

Hardy Eustace is as short as 5-1 to emulate Istabraq and win three Champion Hurdles in a row.

The eight-year-old landed back-to-back runnings in a thrilling renewal of the showpiece event on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

He led from the start but Harchibald was still firmly on the bridle after the last and the writing looked on the wall.

But Paul Carberry's mount, who was traded at around 1/4 in-running on Betfair, just did not pick up when asked and Conor O'Dwyer and Hardy Eustace hung on for a narrow - and improbable - success by a neck.

Most bookmakers make Hardy Eustace their favourite for next year's race - but Hills are the exception to the rule after offering 7-1 about both the reigning champion and runner-up Harchibald.

Totesport go just 5-1 about Hardy Eustace winning again in 2006 and their spokesman Damian Walker said: "Hardy Eustace was given an easy lead and he made the most of it. If they give him a soft lead next year he has every chance of emulating Istabraq.

"A price of 10-1 may look big about Harchibald for next year's race, but he looked as if he would win easily at the last and once again didn't find as much as expected up the Cheltenham hill."

And Hardy Eustace's trainer Dessie Hughes certainly believes his charge can win again next year.

Hughes, who also won the race as a jockey on Monksfield in 1979, said: "I've never lost faith in him - he's a very good horse and he's improved. I can't believe I've won it again.

"They both quickened up, but our fellow just found a little bit more.

"I knew he was right for today. Looking around and seeing what he has beaten, it has to be very possible that he could come back and make it three."