Thousand aims to star again

Willie Mullins believes a sound surface will bring out the best in Thousand Stars as he aims to clinch a French Champion Hurdle hat-trick at Auteuil tomorrow.

So often the bridesmaid behind brilliant stable companion Hurricane Fly in his homeland, the admirable grey has enjoyed some fantastic days across the Channel, winning this Grade One event, officially known as the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil, for the last two years.

He was beaten into fourth by the Paul Nicholls-trained Celestial Halo when chasing back-to-back victories in the Prix La Barka at the Paris track last month, but while the Ditcheat runner reopposes, Mullins hopes the less demanding conditions will help his charge bridge the gap.