Faugheen on course to return for Irish Champion Hurdle defence

Willie Mullins reports Faugheen on course to make his long-awaited return to action in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown next weekend.The nine-year-old has not been seen since his victory in the same race 12 months ago, meaning he was unable to defend his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham last season.A bruised foot ruled out his comeback in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November.Mullins said:"All being well he'll run. He's in good form and he'll do a good bit of work during the week, I hope. "As long as he's able to do that we'll let him take his chance on Sunday."