Mark Phelan of BHP Insuracne with Willie Mullins (O'Shea Photography)© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins reported Faugheen to be on track for his return to action in Sunday's BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Speaking at the launch of the race in Dublin this afternoon the Champion trainer said: "Faugheen will do one more piece of work on Wednesday and all going well with that he runs in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle."
"We think we have him fit but we won't know for certain until he races."
Mullins has a tremendous record in the race having trained Hurricane Fly to win a remarkable five-in-a-row from 2011-2015 and won it again with Faugheen last year. In fact no other trainer has won the race since BHP Insurance took over the sponsorship of the contest in 2011.
Mullins sees his former inmate Petit Mouchoir as a serious danger to his continued dominance of the race. Petit Mouchoir, now trained by Henry De Bromhead, impressed Mullins with a decisive victory over Nichols Canyon at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Mark Phelan, Managing Director of BHP Insurance said: “BHP Insurance is delighted to sponsor this classic race which has given us so many wonderful memories over the past six years of sponsorship — the legendary Hurricane Fly and last year Faugheen gave us an impressive victory over hurdles. We’re really looking forward to this Sunday to see who will emerge as the victor.”
Pat Keogh, CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse, said, “After taking the Christmas Festival by storm, it is no surprise that Willie Mullins is well represented in the entries for the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle. Faugheen was so impressive in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle last year and it would be fantastic to see him back to defend his crown. We will also welcome our old friend Hurricane Fly back with the unveiling of a beautiful bronze on the day, in tribute to his unbeaten record at Leopardstown!”
