Racing

Annie Power and Faugheen set for Champion Hurdle clash

Last two winners headline a 13-strong Irish entry for Cheltenham feature on March 14th

Ruby Walsh guided Annie Power to Champion Hurdle success last year before adding further glory at Aintree. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Wed Jan 18 2017 - 22:00

Annie Power and Faugheen, the last two winners of the Stan James Champion Hurdle, headline a 28-strong entry for the Cheltenham feature on March 14th.

Faugheen claimed the two-mile blue riband in 2015 for Willie Mullins but could not defend his title 12 months ago, after suffering an injury following victory in the Irish version of the race last January.

Stablemate Annie Power stepped into the breach and the mare ran out an impressive winner before adding further glory at Aintree.

Neither runner has been seen yet this term, although Faugheen is pencilled in for Leopardstown at the end of the month.

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Faugheen and Annie Power feature among nine entries for Mullins as he bids for a record-equalling fifth success in the race.

Last year's third Nichols Canyon, Vroum Vroum Mag and Wicklow Brave are other leading contenders for the Closutton handler.

Clondaw Warrior, Diakali, Ivan Grozny and Footpad are also engaged for Mullins.

The other four Irish-trained entries are Jessica Harrington's 2014 winner Jezki, Petit Mouchoir from Henry de Bromhead's yard, the Gordon Elliott-trained Apple's Jade and last year's Triumph Hurdle hero Ivanovich Gorbatov, who is trained by Joseph O'Brien.

Alan King’s Yanworth is the leading British-trained challenger and could clash again with The New One, who finished behind him in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

Nicky Henderson has enjoyed five Champion Hurdles wins, more than any other current trainer, and his five contenders are headed by Brain Power.

The progressive six-year-old could be joined by stablemates My Tent Or Yours, Champion Hurdle runner-up in 2014 and 2016, Buveur D’Air, L’Ami Serge and Top Notch.

Last year's County Hurdle winner Superb Story is one of three horses entered by Dan Skelton, while Sceau Royal could be a second string for King.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Moon Racer is an eyecatching entry from David Pipe, with Swinton Hurdle winner Gwafa, trained by Paul Webber, also in the mix.

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