TRAINER Willie Mullins believes the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown next month is "back on the radar" for Faugheen.

Mullins has yet to establish the precise reasons behind the gifted 10-year-old's meek reverse in the Ryanair Hurdle over Christmas.

But Faugheen impressed his trainer in a canter on Monday morning and could now return to Leopardstown on February 3rd for a race he won two years ago.

Mullins told The Irish Times: "It (Irish Champion Hurdle) wasn't there before, but it's come back on the radar with what I've seen (on Monday morning).

"I was very taken with the canter and our vet checked him over immediately afterwards and said he was fine.

"During the week it looks like I'll be able to put him back into full work."

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