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Faugheen and Annie Power could meet for the first time in an explosive clash at this year's Cheltenham Festival, trainer Willie Mullins revealed .
The duo, who have lost just three times in 30 outings under rules between them, are both being considered for the Stan James Champion Hurdle, which was won by Faugheen in 2015 and by Annie Power last year in his absence.
It had been expected that the two Rich Ricci-owned hurdlers would be given separate assignments.
Mullins was speaking at the launch event for Sunday's BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle, in which Faugheen is set to make his first appearance since landing the same Leopardstown event a year ago.
Mullins said: "Faugheen is going well at home. He'll do another bit of work either tomorrow or on Wednesday and if that goes well, and we expect it will, we'll be looking forward to running him on Sunday.
"We're looking at starting Annie Power off in a 2m4f mares' hurdle at Punchestown on February 22 and, at this stage, I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility of both of them running in the Champion Hurdle."
Mullins added: "Both of them have won the race, so what do you do? Run both of them or only one and go for another race with the other?" I hope it happens lads.
The duo, who have lost just three times in 30 outings under rules between them, are both being considered for the Stan James Champion Hurdle, which was won by Faugheen in 2015 and by Annie Power last year in his absence.
It had been expected that the two Rich Ricci-owned hurdlers would be given separate assignments.
Mullins was speaking at the launch event for Sunday's BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle, in which Faugheen is set to make his first appearance since landing the same Leopardstown event a year ago.
Mullins said: "Faugheen is going well at home. He'll do another bit of work either tomorrow or on Wednesday and if that goes well, and we expect it will, we'll be looking forward to running him on Sunday.
"We're looking at starting Annie Power off in a 2m4f mares' hurdle at Punchestown on February 22 and, at this stage, I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility of both of them running in the Champion Hurdle."
Mullins added: "Both of them have won the race, so what do you do? Run both of them or only one and go for another race with the other?" I hope it happens lads.
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I'd say we're more likely to see Mayweather/McGregor. You could nearly go as far to say that it definitely won't happen because it would mean nearly everything we know about Ruby Walsh is wrong.
Annie wins mares and defends the Aintree Hurdle.
Faugheen wins the 3 big 2mile hurdles at leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown.
Mullins is now saying things like, they are getting on so could see him taking in the French Champion in June which he wins as well you'd think. From what they've said in print, his injury wasn't of the major variety, just badly timed last year.
Annie wins mares and defends the Aintree Hurdle.
Faugheen wins the 3 big 2mile hurdles at leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown.
Mullins is now saying things like, they are getting on so could see him taking in the French Champion in June which he wins as well you'd think. From what they've said in print, his injury wasn't of the major variety, just badly timed last year.
Im not so sure Neill,Annies time in winning last March was much faster then Faugheen [both ran on Similar ground] i know times in jump racing mean little or nothing to some punters but its also worth noteing that Annies time was the fastest run in the Champion Hurdle. They have Vroum Vroum Mag and Limini in the Mares as well . I dont belive Ruby has the final say as much as people think.
Would Mullins want it either, though. They both give each other a hard race which could jeopardise mopping up for the rest of the season.
If Annie runs in the Champion Hurdle against Faugheen, she almost certainly has a hard enough race that she doesn't run at Aintree. So if she's beat, they really end with nothing out of the season for her.
Don't get me wrong, it would be a sporting travesty of sorts, but I just don't see the sense in it for them. I'd say if someone pushed for it, it would be Ricci.
I think the number of winners they train and ride at Cheltenham is what ultimately will be Ruby and WPM will be remembered most for, from a legacy perspective, topping up that makes the mares quite an important race for them.
If Annie runs in the Champion Hurdle against Faugheen, she almost certainly has a hard enough race that she doesn't run at Aintree. So if she's beat, they really end with nothing out of the season for her.
Don't get me wrong, it would be a sporting travesty of sorts, but I just don't see the sense in it for them. I'd say if someone pushed for it, it would be Ricci.
I think the number of winners they train and ride at Cheltenham is what ultimately will be Ruby and WPM will be remembered most for, from a legacy perspective, topping up that makes the mares quite an important race for them.
Not a single book quoting Annie for Sunday.
If that clash by some chance did materialise, how can the ante post book with them to this point be justified?
Anyway i think it is a bit of a damp squib myself,certainly on a punting side,as good as Faugheen is,the priority will be a safe "easy" race despite the Irish Champion hurdle moniker imo.
It is either a clash at Cheltenham or nothing and would be surprised if Neill isn't right there.
If that clash by some chance did materialise, how can the ante post book with them to this point be justified?
Anyway i think it is a bit of a damp squib myself,certainly on a punting side,as good as Faugheen is,the priority will be a safe "easy" race despite the Irish Champion hurdle moniker imo.
It is either a clash at Cheltenham or nothing and would be surprised if Neill isn't right there.
Big Cheltenham clash is shaping to be the Arkle really.
Would ye be happy to see the start of the flat this year lads? I'm talking from an entertainment perspective.
I thought the Irish Champion, English Champion and Arc last season were crackers and probably the only race near those this winter was the King George which probably ended up too one-sided.
Annie Power isn't entered on Sunday Pa.
There was a stark contrast in the gallop Ruby went on Faugheen in the champion compared to the all out gallop on AP last year.
Despite Faugheen being a Neptune winner (and point) he has a rare turn of foot and the other jockeys allowed Ruby to dictate the race. (not that it affected the result)
The only way I could see them clashing is if WPM isn't sure about them and feels that he might need two solid darts. He'll win the mares race anyway with VVM ,Limini or even maybe let's dance (novice). The stayers could potentially be a possibility for VVM or even Ryanair as she's so versatile.
Don't see the clash materialising in the champion but if it does, it won't be for the sporting clash or entertainment. It would only happen if they're concerned.
There was a stark contrast in the gallop Ruby went on Faugheen in the champion compared to the all out gallop on AP last year.
Despite Faugheen being a Neptune winner (and point) he has a rare turn of foot and the other jockeys allowed Ruby to dictate the race. (not that it affected the result)
The only way I could see them clashing is if WPM isn't sure about them and feels that he might need two solid darts. He'll win the mares race anyway with VVM ,Limini or even maybe let's dance (novice). The stayers could potentially be a possibility for VVM or even Ryanair as she's so versatile.
Don't see the clash materialising in the champion but if it does, it won't be for the sporting clash or entertainment. It would only happen if they're concerned.
I was only thinking about the flat today Neill and i never thought i'd say it but a big yes for me.
Maybe Annie/Faugheen missing has something to do with it but other than Thistlecrack,probably Getabird not a lot really stunning standouts,i know i'm missing some but season is half gone in a whimper to me anyway.
Maybe Annie/Faugheen missing has something to do with it but other than Thistlecrack,probably Getabird not a lot really stunning standouts,i know i'm missing some but season is half gone in a whimper to me anyway.
I would say its no more than 5/2 it happens , dont forget Mullins had the 1st 3 home in the Champion Hurdle in March.
Faugheen's champion he had the first 3 Frank, My Tent was in the mix last year.
On the basis that Faugheen wins well Sunday and AP wins on her seasonal debut, it is hard to see them both pitching up in the CH. Should all the big guns make it then the most likely destinations are surely Faugheen for CH, AP for mares & VVM for Stayers. Rich loves Cheltenham winners more than anything so I don’t think they would have any qualms running a previous CH winner in the Mares.
A far more likely scenario would be them taking each other on in Punchestown. That is likely to be Annie’s last run and they will be taking nothing for granted with Faugheen in terms of his long term future so they might give the public what they want.
A far more likely scenario would be them taking each other on in Punchestown. That is likely to be Annie’s last run and they will be taking nothing for granted with Faugheen in terms of his long term future so they might give the public what they want.
If we ran one in the Champion Hurdle and he, or she, got beaten then we'd be wondering what if? A quote from Willie Mullins.
Wouldn’t place much stock in that Frank. They will have a fair idea of whether Faugheen can win the CH before the meeting. If Annie is allowed run in it then Ruby very likely to ride her you’d imagine as would be a sign go weakness for Faugheen. If he runs on his own they will likely be fairly confident and won’t be second guessing.
I'd probably construe it as a negative if they both run two in that sense, yeah; it would just seem so out of character and would suggest something is not quite right
Getabird looks made for the bumper, indeed, a real pro and a stayer. Can't see Shaneshill being the bullet in that. Faugheen is too classy to run in it and I don't think they'd want to let Annie have the hard race she would give herself.
On nicer ground, there wouldn't be anything in the stayers I'd be wildly worried about for VVM myself, I'm assuming she's going to do that tbh. Nice pace and she'll be grand to settle you'd hope and I could see YouknowwhatImeanharry being tracked and overtaken between the last two. I'm not really a massive fan of Bartlett winners generally.
A horse I was never been in love with, but Bellshill's defeats are probably explainable and he has been something else this year. In fact, he has been something else since that Aintree Novice Hurdle he should've won. Not in any way left field but he looks like he could be a Cooldine job in the RSA. Seems to travel so sweetly at 3 miles.
Getabird looks made for the bumper, indeed, a real pro and a stayer. Can't see Shaneshill being the bullet in that. Faugheen is too classy to run in it and I don't think they'd want to let Annie have the hard race she would give herself.
On nicer ground, there wouldn't be anything in the stayers I'd be wildly worried about for VVM myself, I'm assuming she's going to do that tbh. Nice pace and she'll be grand to settle you'd hope and I could see YouknowwhatImeanharry being tracked and overtaken between the last two. I'm not really a massive fan of Bartlett winners generally.
A horse I was never been in love with, but Bellshill's defeats are probably explainable and he has been something else this year. In fact, he has been something else since that Aintree Novice Hurdle he should've won. Not in any way left field but he looks like he could be a Cooldine job in the RSA. Seems to travel so sweetly at 3 miles.
To be honest, if they divvied em up' for Cheltenham, but ran them against each other at Punchestown. As a racing fan, I'd gladly accept that as a compromise.
That is a race you could just have a beer and watch though I'd favour Faugheen.
That race would have massive crossover appeal and would be perhaps the most prestigious race run at Punchestown since the match?
Race would be run on a Friday night and you could see it breaking all records. Would be great for Irish racing and great for Paul Townend, too.
I nearly hope this happens instead! I'd probably go.
That is a race you could just have a beer and watch though I'd favour Faugheen.
That race would have massive crossover appeal and would be perhaps the most prestigious race run at Punchestown since the match?
Race would be run on a Friday night and you could see it breaking all records. Would be great for Irish racing and great for Paul Townend, too.
I nearly hope this happens instead! I'd probably go.
They're the obvious targets TTK pending an impressive performance by Faugheen on Sunday.
I think there has to be some doubt about that though and wouldn't be the biggest shock if he was re-routed to the red mills at Gowran.
If this evolves and AP (Punch) and Faugheen both win egg and spoon prep races. This approach would be conservative and would suggest significant doubt but might be appealing after such a layoff.
I don't see the champion hurdle clash materialsiing but the above scenario would increase its probability significantly.
Is Petit mouchouir overpriced on Sunday at 9/4? Obviously if the old Faugheen is back it's a non-contest but can't help think Willie would like an easier comeback.
I think there has to be some doubt about that though and wouldn't be the biggest shock if he was re-routed to the red mills at Gowran.
If this evolves and AP (Punch) and Faugheen both win egg and spoon prep races. This approach would be conservative and would suggest significant doubt but might be appealing after such a layoff.
I don't see the champion hurdle clash materialsiing but the above scenario would increase its probability significantly.
Is Petit mouchouir overpriced on Sunday at 9/4? Obviously if the old Faugheen is back it's a non-contest but can't help think Willie would like an easier comeback.
What price does More of That go off in the circus race lads, is the 11.5 on this a massive negative?
I'd actually rate Mouchoir pretty highly and because of the depth of talent at Mullins, he has probably never been allowed to be campaigned the way his talent probably justified
There was always going to come a day when Nicholls Canyon was going to cry enough as he has had hard hard races for so long now.
Wouldn't put anyone off PM e/w 1-2 at 9/4 with Ladbrokes, I'd be a little susprised if Nicholls canyon isn't close enough to being shot and that the rest of his career will revolve around that summer graded hurdle in Tipperary!
There was always going to come a day when Nicholls Canyon was going to cry enough as he has had hard hard races for so long now.
Wouldn't put anyone off PM e/w 1-2 at 9/4 with Ladbrokes, I'd be a little susprised if Nicholls canyon isn't close enough to being shot and that the rest of his career will revolve around that summer graded hurdle in Tipperary!
By campaigned, I probably mean more that he has always had to be fitted around the others and maybe wasn't targeted at races as much.
Do all of Willies get a glowing report the day before an 'injury'?
Sry i ever started this thread, ... Neill i see David Mullins share your enthusiasm about Petit MouchoirRacing post TODAY
David Mullins, the only man to have mastered Faugheen, is out to do it again on board Champion Hurdle hope Petit Mouchoir on Sunday.
Mullins was on board Nichols Canyon when Faugheen suffered the only defeat of his career in the 2015 Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown and he believes history could be repeated in the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown when he is reunited with the Henry de Bromhead-trained six-year-old.
Faugheen might be odds-on to win back-to-back Irish Champion Hurdles on his first start for a year but Mullins expects Petit Mouchoir, successful in the Grade 1 Ryanair Hurdle over Christmas, to dish it up to him.
He said: "I think Petit Mouchoir has a great chance. I rode him at Aintree last year when he was just pipped by Buveur D'Air and I knew then that he had the makings of a Grade 1 horse, although I thought it might not be until he was sent over fences that we'd see the best of him.
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