Faugheen's victory lit up the Punchestown Festival
Faugheen's victory lit up the Punchestown Festival

Willie Mullins trained Faugheen set for chasing debut at Naas on Saturday


Former champion hurdler Faugheen makes his debut over fences in Saturday's Naas Oil Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

The 11-year-old counts the 2015 Champion Hurdle among his nine Grade One wins to date, with a ligament injury ruling him out of a title defence the following year and eventually keeping him on the sidelines for 665 days.

Third in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, he was last seen being pulled up in the Aintree Hurdle in April.

Willie Mullins now switches his attention to fences, and Faugheen, who was a point-to-point winner in his younger days, has reportedly been pleasing at home.

The Closutton trainer said: "I've been happy with his schooling, he's always jumped well and we're happy with him. Two and a half to three miles is fine. He doesn't have to win, I just want to get him out."

Faugheen is one of 17 runners in the two-mile-three-furlong event, with Antey also representing Mullins and owner Rich Ricci.

The JP McManus-owned Blue Sari is another high-profile runner for Mullins as he contests the Kildare Now Maiden Hurdle.

Blue Sari was a bumper winner at Gowran on his debut last February and went on to be beaten just three-quarters of a length by Envoi Allen in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

Mullins said: "I wanted to run him last weekend, but a complication arose and I couldn't run him, which was disappointing.

"He's ready for action and two and a half miles should be OK. He jumps well, so we're very happy."


Related horse racing links

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo