Faugheen Looks Set For Another Cheltenham Crown

Faugheen made a winning return to action following a lengthy lay-off, proving that the Irish horse will be a tough competitor to overhaul at Cheltenham Festival. The Bay Gelding was in the middle of an imperious run of form when he won the Champion Hurdle with a fine run at Cheltenham in 2015. Willie Mullins' charge had been on course for another challenge at the event, only to be derailed by a spate of injuries.

A number of fitness problems caused the Irish horse to miss 22 months of action before he made his return at Punchestown in the Morgiana Hurdle. He delivered a dominant performance with Ruby Walsh in the saddle, winning the race by 16 lengths. As a result of the quality of his display, Faugheen is now considered the leading contender among Oddschecker's tips for the Champion Hurdle in March next year.



Mullins' charge enjoyed an outstanding start to his career, winning his opening four races to take into his first appearance at Cheltenham Festival. Faugheen was considered the favourite for the Novices' Hurdle and duly rose to the occasion to secure the victory. With Walsh in the saddle, the Irish horse gradually came through the field before making his charge down the final stretch of the race. The Bay Gelding was able to canter down the straight to win by four-and-a-half lengths ahead of his compatriot Ballyalton.

He only raced three times between appearances at Cheltenham Festival but won all three meets, including a triumph in his first outing at Aintree in the Coral Hurdle. Once again, the Irish horse rose to the occasion at Cheltenham, winning the Champion Hurdle with a solid run through the field, beating out Arctic Fire down the stretch to claim the crown.

Faugheen notched a second win on the bounce over Arctic Fire as the two horses battled it out at Punchestown. This race was straightforward for the Bay Gelding as he dominated the field to win by eight lengths. Mullins' charge had won 10 races on the bounce entering the Morgiana Hurdle in 2015 but he was beaten for the first time, losing out by half-a-length to his stable-mate Nichols Canyon, despite a strong finish.

He bounced back with two victories on the bounce, including his triumph at Irish Champion Hurdle ahead of Arctic Fire and Nichols Canyon. Faugheen's dominance at the top of the sport was ended by his run of injuries. However, the nine-year-old showed no ill-effects of his time out as he delivered a fine performance on his return to claim the win at the Morgiana Hurdle. It will be hard to look past Mullins' charge to capture his third crown at Cheltenham due to his outstanding ability on the track and proven credentials on the big stage.