The curtain comes down on the Christmas meeting for another year, but not before a race to savour in the form of the Leopardstown Golf December Festival Hurdle.

The Grade One highlight pits no less than three former Champion Hurdle winners against each another and Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace cross swords yet again.

These two old warriors filled the minor placings behind Catch Me in the Hatton's Grace and the former, in particular, was honourable in defeat as it was his first run since last year's Punchestown Festival.

But Hardy Eustace won what used to be the Morgiana on his return to show he is far from a spent force and he'll take some passing as always.

Sublimity was just touched off in the 'Fighting Fifth' to suggest he's at the top of his game and throw in the likes of Sizing Europe - providing he's passed fit - and River Liane, and we have a mouthwatering race in prospect.

The fairer sex bid for invaluable black type in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle, in which Give It Time drops in class.

Jessica Harrington's five-year-old has run with plenty of credit against the boys the last twice and will appreciate having her sights lowered to Listed level.

Pomme Tiepy is a big danger if she can put a last-start flop behind her, while Shirley Casper is dangerous receiving weight from the market principals.

Deal Maker and Boulavogue have done more than enough over birch to suggest they can figure in the Centra Central Park Beginners Chase, but they may need to find a little more improvement to see off Deutschland, who was at the head of affairs prior to crashing out on his second chase start at Thurles last month.

The latter's stablemate Candy Girl makes plenty of appeal receiving weight from the boys in the Leopardstown Golf Academy Hurdle, while top-weight Kilbane River looks sure to go well again in the opening Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at 12.25.

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