Walsh believes in Faugheen

RUBY WALSH, in the saddle when Faugheen won 10 of his 13 races, believes the fallen star can return to his best in today’s BHP Irish Champion Hurdle.

Faugheen, winner of both the English and Irish Champion Hurdle, was unaccountably pulled up on his recent outing at Leopardstown last month.

“I think if he does what he is doing at home then he’ll do what Faugheen always does,” said Walsh who is sidelined with a broken leg.

“He’s working really well and is in really good order. Everyone has a theory about what happened last time, but there’s nothing you could put a finger on.”

The Irish Champion Hurdle is the headliner on the first day of the inaugural running of the Dublin Festival Leopardstown.

Tomorrow, Our Duke, who also disappointed on his last outing, attempts to get his career back on track in the Irish Gold Cup.

Last season’s Irish National winner has pleased his trainer Jessica Harrington in his recent work and is the one they all have to beat.

Willie Mullins, who trains Faugheen, has strong claims about making it a five-timer at the Dublin track today.

Fabulous Saga (1.10), Yorkhill (1.45), Footpad (2.20) and Blackbow (4.40) all have outstanding credentials.

Unfortunately, British trainers have not bought into the event as only seven runners will be crossing the Irish Sea. at