FAUGHEEN could run in the Irish Champion Hurdle next month after impressing trainer Willie Mullins at home.
Mullins is still not sure why Faugheen was pulled up in the Ryanair Hurdle but he is reported to be back on track.
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.
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“During the week it looks like I’ll be able to put him back into full work.”
Yorkhill finished well beaten in the Leopardstown Christmas Chase and he is set to drop back in trip with a Cheltenham Gold Cup campaign seemingly off the agenda.
Mullins added: “I’ve no doubt he would stay (three miles) if he had a better temperament. He’s bred to stay.
“But at the moment we’re looking at shorter trips for him. I think his next run will be at a shorter trip over fences.
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“I don’t think he has to go left-handed. He’d be a lot easier to ride left-handed, but if we’re stuck for opportunities we’ll have to go right-handed.
“Over a shorter trip, going faster, he may not have a problem.”
Mullins also revealed classy mare Limini will not make it to the track in time for the Cheltenham Festival. She could return for the Punchestown Festival and connections are also keen to run on the Flat.
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