Willie Mullins remains ‘surprised’ by Faugheen’s defeat to Nichols Canyon

Willie Mullins remains “surprised” by Faugheen’s defeat by stablemate Nichols Canyon in the StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday.

The Champion Hurdle hero was sent of 1-6 in a field of five to stretch his 100% record but could not get to grips with Nichols Canyon in the closing stages and went down by half a length.

Mullins saddled the first three home in the Grade One, with Wicklow Brave just a length and a quarter back in third, yet the Carlow handler is still scratching his head at Faugheen’s shock defeat. “The three of them have come out of the race well. We’re happy with them,” said Mullins.