Faugheen makes good horses look very average with sublime Champion Hurdle win

Faugheen conveyed a foreboding cautioning to any future Cheltenham challengers with an incredible triumph in the BHP Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. 

Up against the main steed to beat him, Nichols Canyon, and a year ago's Champion Hurdle runner-up Arctic Fire, Faugheen (3/10 fav) made a solid Grade 1 field look unmistakably normal. 

He jogged to a 15-length triumph in the hands of Ruby Walsh as bookmakers promptly cut his chances to 4/11 for a fruitful safeguard in the Cotswolds in March. 

Cold Fire (8/1) was second with Nichols Canyon (10/3 2fav) a further 13 lengths back in third. 

Prior, Douvan and A Toi Phil guaranteed that Willie Mullins got the evening off to a flying begin. 

Douvan was the staggering most loved for the Grade 1 Arkle Novice Steeplechase and supported that position with an agreeable win. Ruby Walsh was ready as Douvan trotted clear of Velvet Maker and Domesday Book. 

Before that A Toi Phil had won for Mullins in the Lacy and Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle. Bryan Cooper was ready in the Gigginstown hues as the 6-4 most loved triumphed. 

The opener was a triumph for JP McManus as Barry Geraghty rode Don't Touch It to triumph in the lady obstacle.