Matt Chapman talks all things Faugheen, Irish Champions Weekend and Sir Mark Prescott in his latest column
Faugheen has not been seen since winning the Irish Champion Hurdle back in 2016 but trainer Willie Mullins reports him to be in good form as he continues his recovery
SEVENTY ONE days.
Mark your calendar, set your alarms, make sure you have no commitments.
Yes, people, in 71 days one of the greatest hurdlers some of us have ever seen is set to return.
I’m talking, of course, of the sub-equine monster machine that is . . . Faugheen.
For those of you who were worried, like me, that we had seen the last of the brilliant 2015 Champion Hurdle hero, there is good news.
I’m over the moon to report that Ireland’s Champion trainer, Willie Mullins, is delighted with Faugheen’s well-being and he is being primed for a comeback in the Grade 1 Stan James Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on November 19.
“He’s back in and cantering away,” Mullins told me.
“He’s fine, and I did think about keeping him going through the summer, but instead I gave him a break as there was nowhere to run him.
“He’s in great order and the Morgiana is the obvious race for him.”
The hurdling scene was blown wide open last season with Faugheen and Annie Power, the 2016 Champion out of action.
In January Faugheen was ruled out of the defence of the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown with what Mullins hoped was a minor muscle problem. It later turned out he had suffered a stress fracture.
Many thought that might be the end of Rich Ricci’s superstar, who landed the 2014 Neptune before destroying the field in the 2015 Champion and slamming Arctic Fire by eight lengths at Punchestown.
Matt Chapman's TV tips
- 1.50 Haydock - DEE EX BEE: 'Can bounce back from a surprisingly poor run last time'
- 2.05 Kempton - CHEMICAL CHARGE: 'Should outclass his rivals'
- 2.25 Haydock - BRANDO: 'Will relish these conditions and was excellent last time'
- 2.45 Ascot - SHADY MCCOY: 'Just the type of horse for his race'
- 3.00 Haydock - MONSIEUR JOE: 'Dangerously well handicapped now'
- 3.15 Kempton - THE WARRIOR: 'Every chance of hitting the frame'
- 3.35 Haydock - BENBATL: 'This is much easier than his last start'
- 3.55 Ascot - TORCELLO: 'Up in trip but keeps improving'
The last time we saw him he arguably put up his best-ever performance, slamming his rivals in the 2016 Irish Champion.
The new kid on the hurdling block is the Nicky Henderson-trained Buveur d’Air. And the prospect of him clashing with a back-to-his-best Faugheen is something every jumps fan will relish.
Faugheen is one of my favourite horses. His return is getting me so jiggy I could pop!
This weekend, meanwhile, it is Flat Irish stars who take centre stage, with the Champions Weekend at both The Curragh and Leopardstown giving us the chance to see a host of top-class performers.
Today at Leopardstown the feature on a mouth-watering card is the Group 1 Qipco Irish Champion Stakes, in which dual Guineas hero and Juddmonte International runner-up Churchill will start a warm favourite.
Churchill was ridden as if connections really wanted to test his stamina at York. Now they know he stays I expect a more patient ride, with plenty of pace likely in the mile-and-a-quarter event.
Derby runner-up and Churchill’s stable companion Cliffs Of Moher was sacrificed at York on the front end, but I have a feeling he might get a lead here from either Taj Mahal or Eminent. He is worth a few quid each-way.
O’Brien also holds the key to Sunday’s main event, the Group 1 Irish St Leger.
Order Of St George will be a hot favourite to take the event once again and I have no doubt he’s an absolute good thing. On his day there is not a stayer out there who can touch him.
You can catch all the Irish racing on At The Races, but this afternoon I’ll be at Haydock for ITV and I can’t wait to see July Cup hero Harry Angel back in action for Clive Cox.
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He has speed to burn, but must cope with testing going in the 32Red Sprint Cup. Not many horses go vastly different surfaces, so if he pulls it off he’s truly special.
The one to beat is Brando, who hacked up in France last time and has plenty of decent form with juice in the ground. Finally, what has happened to Sir Mark Prescott?
Indeed, is it time to start a ‘Save Sir Mark’ campaign?
On the basis it’s surely too late for a mid-life crisis, I’m worried for Sir Mark, who first gave up cigars and now has decided Heath House should have a website.
This is Sir Mark Prescott — a man who surely has rarely even turned on a computer during his Classic-winning career.
It makes you wonder what is around the corner, although news reaching me that old Sir Mark is on the verge of giving back his 3rd Baronet status, will never watch bullfighting again and has gone off coursing is surely three steps too far.
Or is it? He’ll stop eating baked beans next!