The three best mares we have seen since Dawn Run, with the exception of the 1994 Champion Hurdle winner, Flakey Dove, have all been trained by Willie Mullins, namely Annie Power, Quevega and Vroum Vroum Mag.

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.