Mullins eyes Champion Hurdle for Faugheen’s swift redemption shot

WILLIE MULLINS is planning to enter Faugheen in next month’s BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle as he continues to ponder the gelding’s disappointing run over Christmas.

The 10-year-old was the odds-on favourite for the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown but was pulled up with two to jump after dropping away tamely, leaving connections mystified.

Mullins reports the 2015 Champion Hurdle hero to be in good heart, with the Grade One contest on February 3 a possible opportunity for swift redemption.

He said: ‘I didn’t see him out this morning, but John (Cobb, work rider) gave me a ring coming down in the car and said he was in great shape. He did a steady canter this morning and is well in himself.

‘Nothing has come to light and I’m waiting on one test back with him. It was very rare to have him gone so quick and to me, going to the second hurdle, we were wondering were the others not letting him away at the speed. Paul (Townend) said there was nothing there and he was gone early.

‘It wasn’t that he went three-quarters of the way and then got beaten because he had a dirty nose or lung infection, so it is unusual.

‘I don’t know where I’m going, but he’ll get an entry for the Irish Champion Hurdle.’