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Mag takes Champion challenge as Annie's out

Vroum Vroum MagVroum Vroum Mag
© Photo Healy Racing

Vroum Vroum Mag is one of six declarations for Friday's Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle, with fellow Willie Mullins inmate Annie Power a noticeable absentee.

Annie Power claimed the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham as well as the Aintree Hurdle at the Grand National meeting and had been due to try to bring up the hat-trick on the fourth day of the Punchestown Festival.

However, Vroum Vroum Mag, who was taken out of a race at Sandown at the 12th hour last Saturday, will now represent Mullins and owner Rich Ricci.

One man who will be glad of Annie Power's absence is Nicky Henderson, as his My Tent Or Yours chased her home at Cheltenham after a two-year absence and also filled the runner-up spot behind her at Aintree.

Henry de Bromhead will be looking for a better display from Identity Thief after the Fighting Fifth winner disappointed at Cheltenham.

Mullins also runs Sempre Medici while Tony Martin's Ted Veale and Willie Treacy's Fethard Player complete the field.