The veteran superstar Faugheen will not be seen at Leopardstown this Christmas as the soon to be 13 year old has suffered a slight setback that has ruled him out of the meeting, but he is still expected to be racing again in the spring.
He looked set for retirement after being pulled with a heart problem up at Aintree in April of last year, but Mullins gave him another season and he got back to his best when landing back to back Grade Ones over fences at Limerick and Leopardstown.
The son of Germany rounded off last season with a strong third in the Marsh Novices' Chase at the festival behind Samcro and stablemate Melon.
What. A. Horse. Faugheen:
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 2, 2020
1️⃣2️⃣ years-old
🏇 25 races
🥇 17 wins
🏆 11 G1 victories
✅ Unbeaten over fences
⭐️ The horse of a lifetime
Fabulous Faugheen wins the G1 Flogas Novice Chase for @WillieMullinsNH & @PTownend, bringing the house down at @LeopardstownRC! pic.twitter.com/ug6qTQtIRj
Having been sent novice chasing last term, he found his form of old and although just being weeks away from his 13th birthday, the Mullins camp believe he can still be a star this term.
However, he will miss the Leopardstown Christmas festival with a small setback and be targeted to get ready for the Cheltenham festival with the Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup high on his agenda.
(Credit ATR) Patrick Mullins rode him at Limerick and the assistant trainer to his father said: “He had a little setback at the end of October.
“We’re just taking our time with him very much, so he won’t be out at Christmas. We’re just having to take our time.
“We’ll just have to start again with him and if he’s in great form we’ll look for a race then, but he won’t be out at Christmas.”