D'Haguenet in race against time

Willie Mullins is still facing a race against time to get his exciting prospect Mikael D'Haguenet to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The six-year-old registered Grade One successes at both Cheltenham and Punchestown last spring but has been off the track since the latter of those victories due to firstly a splint problem and then a muscle injury.

The champion trainer has been pleased with Mikael D'Haguenet's recent progress but admits getting to Cheltenham is going to tough.

"We've got him back in fast work but it is going to be a bit of a rush," said Mullins.

"We have schooled him and he does jump well. However, Patrick (Mullins, jockey) did say he was a bit careful, but that could have been him minding himself after his injury.

"He's already run over fences in France so not that is not so much of a worry and we'll just have to see."