Annie Power is the new favourite for next month’s Stan James Champion Hurdle following her comeback victory in Punchestown yesterday and news that reigning champion Faugheen has been ruled out of the race due to a suspensory injury.

The French-bred Upsie notched her fourth win from six starts since joining Willie Mullins when beating stable-companion Urticaire in the punchestown.com Mares Hurdle in Punchestown yesterday.

Ruby Walsh left Punchestown with a winner and a broken nose yesterday.

Cousin Vinny defied a 22-month absence, caused by a tendon injury, when justifying odds-on favouritism in the opening Festival Free Upgrade Offer Ends Today Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday.