Punchestown swansong could be next for fabulous Faugheen
Faugheen returned to a hero's reception after defying his veteran status to finish a close third in the Marsh Novices' Chase on what could well have been his fifth and final appearance at the Cheltenham Festival.
Winner of what is now the Ballymore at his first festival in 2014 and successful in the Champion Hurdle the following season, Faugheen is classed as royalty at Cheltenham and he got as big a cheer as any winner this week after going down by little more than a length to Samcro and Melon.
"The reception was lovely," said owner Rich Ricci. "He was magic and has never jumped as well as he did today. I think if he had pinged the third-last he might have won."
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inReports
Last updated
- Warwick: 'I can’t wait for the Challow' - The New Lion's connections warm up for Grade 1 bid with Cherie D'Am's Listed win
- Taunton: spring targets await for smart prospect Alexei as German Flat import makes it two from two over hurdles
- Newcastle: Jim Goldie praises Paul Mulrennan for 'master ride' on Alpine Sierra after pair combine for 118-1 double
- Hereford: 'He's going great guns' - another winner for in-form Freddie Gordon as Mister Upton impresses
- Hexham: 'The horses seem to run well here' - Forest Blaze bolsters Mark Walford's impressive track record
- Warwick: 'I can’t wait for the Challow' - The New Lion's connections warm up for Grade 1 bid with Cherie D'Am's Listed win
- Taunton: spring targets await for smart prospect Alexei as German Flat import makes it two from two over hurdles
- Newcastle: Jim Goldie praises Paul Mulrennan for 'master ride' on Alpine Sierra after pair combine for 118-1 double
- Hereford: 'He's going great guns' - another winner for in-form Freddie Gordon as Mister Upton impresses
- Hexham: 'The horses seem to run well here' - Forest Blaze bolsters Mark Walford's impressive track record