There are plenty, it seems, who think the bookmakers overreacted to Faugheen’s smooth success at Ascot last Saturday and that having him as the 9-4 favourite for the Champion Hurdle is far too tight.

Last Saturday at Naas the stewards flexed their collective muscles when a mare called Mount Corkish Girl was the medium of an inquiry, after finishing eighth of 25 in the maiden hurdle won by the impressive Free Expression.