Willie Mullins is working hard to get his star hurdler Hurricane Fly back to peak fitness in time for next month's Punchestown Festival.

The six-year-old has always been held in the highest regard by the champion trainer and three Grade One victories as a novice last season suggested he was destined for the top, but he suffered a suspensory ligament injury.

"Hurricane Fly has responded well to the treatment for his injury," said Mullins.

"He looks good and strong, is back on the gallop and we'll have a go at getting him ready for the Punchestown Festival now. His injury is fine, but whether we have enough time to get him to Punchestown is another thing. That will be a big ask.

"He has done lots of prep work, but it won't be until I get the first few bits of fast work into him - which will be quite late in the day - that we know exactly what chance we have of getting him there.

"I'm happy he is ready to be cantering away anyway, and Punchestown is a track he loves, so it would be great to get him there."

Mullins is considering stepping Quevega up to three miles for the first time at Punchestown after she landed her second David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle in devastating style at Cheltenham.

He went on: "Quevega has come out of her win well and will probably go to Punchestown now. She'll be entered in the three-mile race as well as the Champion Hurdle that she ran so well in last year.

"I'm not sure Punchestown brings her stamina into play enough over two miles so, for that reason, she might run over the longer trip."