Annie Power to return to full training after Christmas

Willie Mullins expects Annie Power to return to full training following the busy Christmas period after scans revealed her injuries were not as bad as first feared.

The top-class mare was declared to make her reappearance in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday, but was found to be lame on Friday and was immediately withdrawn from the Grade One contest.

The champion trainer feared the six-year-old could have suffered a possible stress fracture, which would have meant eight to 10 weeks box rest. Mullins said: “Annie (Power) will walk until Christmas and be checked again and then hopefully be back to full training.