'I think he's more than good enough to go down the Champion Hurdle route' - Willie Mullins' exclusive horse-by-horse guide to his all-star team

After conquering America with his very first Breeders' Cup runner, it's back to the day job for Willie Mullins - the small matter of trying to continue his astonishing domination of the jumps game in two nations. 

The ammunition at his disposal is absolutely extraordinary, even allowing for the unfortunate setback which will deprive State Man of challenging for a second Champion Hurdle crown, although he really should have two in the bag already. 

State Man was the undisputed number one in Mullins' Champion Hurdle team so it will be interesting to see whether Lossiemouth is promoted to that position now. She's already won two Mares' Hurdles, so 2026 could be the year when she gets a first crack at the Champion. There's the unbeaten Anzadam, who could be Fighting Fifth-bound, and Irancy to consider as well. There is no shortage of plan Bs, so it will be interesting to see who is pointed in the direction of the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown at the weekend. It might well be Irancy.