2015 Champion Hurdle

[MrMcGoldrick]

Willie Mullins has said in his newspaper column that Ruby rides Faugheen, so much for Ruby having another day to think about it

[mayo]

Walsh said: "You can only ride one in the Champion Hurdle and I think Faugheen is the one that is going to win.

"I think his younger legs might be the difference, but there is every chance I might be wrong.

"Their last bits of work were very good, but I have just come down in favour of Faugheen."

Trainer Wllie Mullins also confirmed that Annie Power will take her chance in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle rather than the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

[Old Vic]

[Old Vic]

Timeform

The overall time of Faugheen’s Christmas Hurdle compares well with that of the novice won by Supreme contender Jollyallan on the same card, though sectionals imply the former’s effort was good on the day rather than truly outstanding. He may well have to run faster still – and that is at the very least a possibility – to land the Champion Hurdle itself.

[mayo]

Ian McClean

Champion Hurdle

By mid-afternoon on Tuesday we will finally have discovered the limit of Faugheen's ability. Or not.

The irony is you only discover how good one really is when it gets beaten - and that hasn't happened to Faugheen. Yet. The odds either way are about the toss of a coin if we believe the market. In nine wins to date Faugheen "the machine" has never faced a 170 RPR-rated horse. He faces three amongst his seven opponents on Tuesday.

Faugheen polarises opinion and it is easy to argue both sides. However, ultimately it comes down to value and at the prices in light of the competition he has to be opposed. The gladiator that is Hurricane Fly is reluctantly passed over on the drying ground and choosing between last year's winner (Jezki) and some would say moral winner (The New One) is not easy with the marginal call going to The New One to avenge last year's misfortune.

Selection: The New One

[Hoof]

"He's a great spare ride to pick up. I suppose nobody ever thought Hurricane Fly would be a second string, but I'm delighted to get the ride on him and I can't wait," Townend told At The Races.

"I suppose being realistic he's up against it. He's an 8-1 shot for a reason, but saying that he's been there, he's done it and he's in the form of his life at home.

"I'm just hoping for a big run, he'll try his best and it would be nice to win a third Champion Hurdle.

"A lot of it is just natural ability, but it's his will to win as well. He has the heart of a lion and he can just run faster than the rest of them.

"If you see him in the morning you wouldn't think he was an 11-year-old.

"I don't think it (drying ground) would help him, but it shouldn't hinder him too much. If it did spill rain, we'd be delighted, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen."

The Jessica Harrington-trained Jezki has had a similar preparation to last year in that he has found Hurricane Fly too strong on home soil on each occasion, but the roles were comprehensively reversed at Cheltenham 12 months ago.

The JP McManus-owned runner enjoyed one final reportedly impressive piece of work ahead of his trip across the water, and Harrington is delighted with her stable star.

Speaking at Naas on Sunday, she said: "He did a nice bit of work the other day. I don't know who was looking at him working, but he pleased me. I wouldn't say any more than that."

Hurricane Fly, Jezki and Faugheen feature in a star-studded eight-strong field following the declaration stage.

Mullins also sad dles Arctic Fire, who has twice been defeated by Hurricane Fly this term. Danny Mullins, the trainer's nephew, has been booked for the ride.

The latter said: "He's definitely not making up the numbers. He's going there with a good chance.

"If you look at Jezki's profile before winning it last year, this lad has chased home (Hurricane) Fly a few times as well.

"It would be hard to say you'd fancy your chances of winning, but he could run a big race.

"He's working very well and we're there for a good time."

[Morning Glory]

[MrMcGoldrick]

Just watching some past vid of Faugheen at the same time as listening to Dan Barber talking about him and he compares his time with Jollyallan at Kempton with Faugheen completing the race in 34lb better time. At Punchestown last year Sgt Reckless was amongst others way back in the field, and SR had finished a running on second to Vautour in last years Supreme. I've also noticed that the bookies are all pushing Douvan out tomorrow but nobody seems to be doing the same at this stage with Faugheen, he appears to be the one the bookies don't want to lay.

[paz247]

Can see why Jessica Harrington didn't want AP on board today, well done Faugheen and those who backed him

[iainmcf]

Faugheen delivered in style and congrats to everyone on here who tipped him up.I must say I was gutted Jezki cudnt get a place from where it was 2 out.I hate to be critical of a jockey as it sounds like sour grapes but McCoy just dosent suit this horse imo

[loveracing]

Faugheen delivered in style and congrats to everyone on here who tipped him up.I must say I was gutted Jezki cudnt get a place from where it was 2 out.I hate to be critical of a jockey as it sounds like sour grapes but McCoy just dosent suit this horse imo

MMG, I did say I would leave the FJ Forum if Faugheen lost. Guess everyone will have to put up with me for another 368 days.

[MrMcGoldrick]

MMG, I did say I would leave the FJ Forum if Faugheen lost. Guess everyone will have to put up with me for another 368 days.

Great result LR, I've made a shedload now whatever happens in the rest of the fez, I have a good double going too with Faugheen 7/2 and SDG 3/1 from before Christmas. I have a few other ones looking good at the mo because of Faugheen and Douvan yesterday, could do with Vautour doing the business in the JLT and it's happy days, [even more]

[roose88]

MMG, I did say I would leave the FJ Forum if Faugheen lost. Guess everyone will have to put up with me for another 368 days.

Your Posts about faugheen kept me calm on my faugheen & UDS double at 6-1 & 10-1! Never been so nervous yesterday watching both races.

What a great run by artic fire too!

Cant see the next few days being as profitable but I hope so!

[loveracing]

Thats good to hear Roose.

I was never nervous.