Faugheen The Machine Cut To Retain Champion Hurdle

Faugheen may well have put in his best performance ever to win the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown by 15 lengths, and as a result the son of Germany has hardened further into 1/3 from 4/7 to retain his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham.

Runner up and stable mate Arctic Fire has been clipped into 8/1 from 10/1 whilst Nichols Canyon, who defeated Faugheen on his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown and finished third today, has been eased out to 14/1 from 6/1.

Douvan had a walk in the park in the Grade 1 Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase, recording a 15 length victory and as a result he has hardened further into 1/2 from 4/7 for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March.

A Toi Phil landed the Grade 2 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novices Hurdle under Bryan Cooper and has been introduced at 14/1 for the Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle.

Day One of the Cheltenham Festival could see Willie Mullins bash the bookmakers with the four timer on Min, Douvan, Faugheen and Annie Power now paying just over 7/1.

*Prices correct at time of publication.