Faugheen Fell Short But Willie Won’t Worry

Faugheen returned to action on Sunday in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown and was surprisingly beaten, but I thought he had a good race.

Faugheen
David Mullins got an easy enough lead on Nichols Canyon and Faugheen just failed to catch him, but whatever beats him in the Champion Hurdle will still win; he remains the horse to beat.

Some said he was hanging on the straight but I don’t think Willie Mullins will be too worried.

The horse that beat him is a very good horse and Willie is in a lucky position to have them both. You’d have to imagine Faugheen is still the likely winner of the Champion Hurdle in March.

Sizing John
Arkle hope Sizing John beat Lord Scoundrel into second on Sunday and looked very good in doing so. He got tired from the last home but he’d want to be beating Lord Scoundrel by that margin to be considered a Grade 1 horse.

My horse couldn’t have done any more than what he did. He jumped and stayed and did everything right. I’d imagine he’ll make a much better novice chaser than he was a novice hurdler, he looks a nice horse.

Captain Von Trappe
We were second to Shantou Flyer in the Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown on Sunday with Captain Von Trappe. Colin Bowe’s horse has been very good, it’s won at Cheltenham and has been impressive all year.

Captain Von Trappe had a good race and was only beaten a length and a half so we’re very happy.

You will probably see him in a Grade 2 or Grade 3 over Christmas and he could be a nice stayer in the making.

Sprinter Sacre
Sprinter Sacre looked very good in the Shloer Chase on Sunday with his first win since April 2013. He did everything right and it was a great win for Nico de Boinville who is riding Nicky Henderson’s horses now. It’s great to see him back, but I can’t really see him troubling Un de Sceaux for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.