Annie Power in foal to Camelot and all set for Punchestown

Star mare Annie Power is in foal to Camelot, trainer Willie Mullins has revealed.

Annie Power, who has been off the track since scoring at Aintree last term, is set to have her first outing of the season at Punchestown, although her target at next week's big fixture has yet to be confirmed.

However, Ireland's champion trainer Mullins revealed in his exclusive Racing Post column on Saturday that Rich and Susannah Ricci's nine-year-old is pregnant with Camelot's baby. A decision over her future as a racemare beyond Punchestown is still to be discussed.

The arrival of the 2016 Champion Hurdle heroine's first foal is bound to be keenly anticipated. She has been covered by 2012 Investec Derby hero Camelot, who went so close to clinching the coveted Triple Crown at Doncaster, finding only Encke too strong in the St Leger.

Camelot bagged four Group 1s during his career, including the 2,000 Guineas, Irish Derby and Racing Post Trophy. Annie Power is herself a five-time Grade 1 winner over jumps. Some parents, hey?

Punchestown finale?

Mullins said: "Annie Power is in three races – the Champion Hurdle, the Stayers Hurdle and the Mares Champion Hurdle – and a decision will be made as late as possible.

"What I can report is that she has been covered by Camelot and is in foal. It's early days in her pregnancy so whether or not Punchestown will be her grand finale is not a question I can answer just now.

"She hasn't run since her impressive 18-length win in the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle last season and we're looking forward to her return at the festival, where she has won a couple of times."