Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
IT’S THE TALK OF THE TOWN
Xmas defeat to prove a blip
FAUGHEEN is the headline act as the inaugural €1.5m Dublin Racing Festival gets under way at Leopardstown today.
But Willie Mullins’ star — once dubbed ‘the machine’ — has to prove all his parts are in working order in the Irish Champion Hurdle, one of seven Grade 1 races over the two-day fixture.
Paul Townend, on board for the 10-year-old’s comeback win in Punchestown’s Morgiana Hurdle in November — but also Faugheen’s flop when pulled up in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown in December — admitted: “He has to bounce back.
“But he’s been fine since he disappointed at Christmas. Hopefully he can put in a performance like he did at Punchestown.”
With Ruby Walsh sidelined with a broken leg, Townend has the choice of Mullins’ awesome squad over the weekend, including Yorkhill, Footpad, Sharjah and Djakadam.
“It’s an exciting time, especially for me with Ruby being out,” added the 27-year-old. “There’s a huge amount of prize money and I’m sure it will be a success. I’m really looking forward to it.”
FORGIVE his unexplained blip at Christmas and trust Faugheen to land a second BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the new Dublin Racing Festival.
Beaten only once in his previous 15 hurdle outings (by Nichols Canyon at Punchestown), Faugheen flopped badly in the Ryanair Hurdle over today’s course and distance in December.
He never travelled with his customary exuberance and dropped away tamely going to the second last before being pulled up behind Mick Jazz.
Worryingly, extensive tests failed to find a reason for that dismal effort. But the vibes from the Willie Mullins camp have been up-beat. And, if close to his best, the 10-year-old should outclass his rivals.
Faugheen’s form includes eight Grade 1 wins, most notably the 2015 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, when he beat stable-companion Arctic Fire and previous champions, the mighty Hurricane Fly and JEZKI, which will be in the field today.
He was hugely impressive when winning today’s showpiece in 2016 before being forced to miss his title defence in Cheltenham.
And, due to injury, he wasn’t seen again until trouncing Jezki in the Morgiana at Punchestown in November, a hugely encouraging performance which suggested he was as good as ever.
Mullins would not be running Faugheen unless he was happy with him. And, on that basis, I expect Rich Ricci’s gelding to bounce back.
On ratings, Faugheen has a minimum of 13lb in hand on today’s field, with his stable-companion
MELON, third behind old-timers My Tent Or Yours and The New One at Cheltenham in December, and Stayers Hurdle-bound
SUPASUNDAE rated 159. The other horse of interest is DEFI DU
SEUIL, unbeaten in seven over hurdles last season, including a victory in Cheltenham’s JCB Triumph Hurdle, but disappointing on his seasonal bow behind Lil Rockerfeller at Ascot in November. Like Faugheen, he has to bounce back here.
While Faugheen will be the focus of attention today, eyes will also be on the enigmatic YORKHILL in the Grade 2 Coral Dublin Chase.
Last season’s JLT winner’s tendency to pull hard and jump left makes life difficult for his rider. He drops back in trip, having disappointed when tried over three miles in the Christmas Chase at this venue – he weakened to finish a distant eighth behind Road To Respect.
Yorkhill possesses a big engine. And, although he doesn’t appeal as a betting proposition today, I look forward to seeing him. And, if he does things right, he should be tough to beat.
If not, his stable-companion MIN and the horse he beat before being disqualified at Christmas,
SIMPLY NED, might pick up the pieces, along with reigning two-mile champion SPECIAL TIARA.