WILLIE MULLINS does not see any chinks in the armour of Stan James Champion Hurdle favourite Faugheen, as the trainer readies a formidable team of 50 horses for next month's Cheltenham Fest
The Champion Hurdle has been claimed by Mullins twice in the last four years with Hurricane Fly, but the 11-year-old can be backed at 8-1 for next month's race, with punters of the opinion Faugheen, four years his junior, is the one to beat. Unbeaten in eight career starts, most recently when winning the Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton by eight lengths in December, Faugheen is as short as evens in places for the Grade 1, and Mullins said: "I didn't want him to travel to Britain again before the festival.
"I asked Ruby [Walsh], who felt he didn't need more jumping experience and didn't need another run, but we thought long and hard about it. I was guided by Ruby and I can't see any hole in him."
Mullins dominates the Champion Hurdle ante-post market, and in an indication of the strength he has in his ranks, the trainer also thinks there is more to come from Arctic Fire, a best-priced 16-1 chance.
Speaking in Thursday's Racing Post as part of a horse-by-horse guide to his Cheltenham Festival team, Mullins added: "He was beaten a short head in the County Hurdle last year and horses from that have gone on to win a Champion Hurdle. I don't think we've got to the bottom of him."
WILLIE MULLINS does not see any chinks in the armour of Stan James Champion Hurdle favourite Faugheen, as the trainer readies a formidable team of 50 horses for next month's Cheltenham FestThe Champion Hurdle has been claimed by Mullins twice in the
Personally think ya be better off reading the childrens homework than what WPM has to say. The media to be fair have cottoned on to the fact that he parts with absolutely nothing of note, and have tried to latch onto the ever eager Paddy for their information.
I do think it's incredible that he is sending 50+ horses over. That is some size of a team. Love him or hate him, it shows how far Irish racing has come since the years of Galmoy.
I see there has been no talk in the media of who Ruby rides. There is, nor ever was a decision to be made in that regard.
Personally think ya be better off reading the childrens homework than what WPM has to say. The media to be fair have cottoned on to the fact that he parts with absolutely nothing of note, and have tried to latch onto the ever eager Paddy for their in
It will be a big surprice if he doesn,t Faugheen, I dont know how much the winner of the champion hurdle gets but 10% will be on Rubys mind when he makes his Decision.
It will be a big surprice if he doesn,t Faugheen, I dont know how much the winner of the champion hurdle gets but 10% will be on Rubys mind when he makes his Decision.
I believe there was a very good piece in the RP today from Peter Thomas.
Not seen it yet but he pulled very few punches and it sounds like it was a breath of fresh air.
I believe there was a very good piece in the RP today from Peter Thomas.Not seen it yet but he pulled very few punches and it sounds like it was a breath of fresh air.