All going to plan for Annie

Annie Power remains on course to return to the Cheltenham Festival next month.

The seven-year-old suffered her only defeat from 12 competitive starts when runner-up behind More Of That in last season's Ladbrokes World Hurdle, but rounded off her campaign with victory at Punchestown.

She has not been seen in action so far this term after suffering a setback ahead of her intended comeback in November's Hatton's Grace Hurdle, but has been back in work for over a month and trainer Willie Mullins is pleased with her progress.

"I'm very happy with her - so far, so good," said Mullins.

"We've not had any more setbacks since Christmas."

Annie Power is entered in the World Hurdle once more, as well as the Champion Hurdle and the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Prestbury Park in March.

The latter event, won for six consecutive years by incredible stable companion Quevega, is her likely objective.

Mullins said: "At the moment that (Mares' Hurdle) is the way we'd be looking."