Faugheen failure proves Supa’ for Harrington

BEFORE the second race at Leopardstown yesterday, queues for an ATM stretched half the length of the main grandstand.

It was either an indication of shoddy preparation by punters or, more likely, evidence of the Dublin Racing Festival’s betting appeal.

Of those 14,100 racegoers who wagered on Willie Mullins, there was a profit as the champion trainer saddled a superb four-timer through Min (11/8), Footpad (4/9), Patrick’s Park (6/1) and Blackbow (11/4).

But Faugheen’s failure to hold off Jessica Harrington’s Supasundae in the BHP Irish Champion Hurdle, stung the Mullins team.

The trademark surge of acceleration was missing when Faugheen felt Supasundae and jockey Robbie Power (left) at his girth approaching the last.

By the post, more than two lengths separated the 8/1 shot and the 9/10 favourite and the prospects of a second Champion Hurdle in March were even further away.

Mullins didn’t disguise his feelings. He said: ‘It’s very disappointing. We have him half back on the track, but he’ll have to improve a lot to be back to where he was.’

Harrington will not switch Supasundae from the Stayers’ Hurdle to the Champion Hurdle despite the win yesterday.