Mullins targets Ascot prizes with Faugheen and Ballycasey

Willie Mullins could fire a formidable twin assault on Ascot’s major Saturday prizes after Faugheen and Ballycasey were confirmed for the Coral Ascot Hurdle and the Amlin 1965 Chase.

Mullins sent top-class mare Annie Power across the Irish Sea to land the Coral Ascot Hurdle 12 months ago and has this year entered the unbeaten Faugheen, ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next March.

The six-year-old is one of 11 entries for the Grade Two, with Gordon Elliott’s smart dual-purpose performer Bayan another potential Irish raider.