Willie Mullins upbeat on Faugheen ahead of Irish Champion Hurdle

Willie Mullins has issued an upbeat report on Faugheen ahead of his intended appearance in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday week.

The 10-year-old appeared to have lost none of his brilliant ability when making a successful return from a near-two-year absence in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November, but suffered a shock defeat in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over the festive period.

Although no obvious excuse has come to light, Mullins is keeping his fingers crossed he can show his true colours to claim his second Irish Champion Hurdle success.