Ricci looking forward to Altior rematch with star novice

Rich Ricci said he is looking forward to then prospect of Min clashing with Altior in a rematch in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham.

Min’s only defeat came at the hands of Altior in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, but Ricci hopes the son of Walk In The Park can avenge that defeat in the Arkle at Cheltenham.

Before that, Min will look to build on a flawless chasing debut at Navan in the Racing Post Arkle at Leopardstown on December 26.

“Min is very good, but so is Altior," said Ricci. "Min excites me and has done nothing wrong in his only chase start for us.

“I haven’t seen anything in Ireland that scares me. We wouldn’t mind taking Altior on again though and we'd give him our best shot.”

Ricci also provided upbeat bulletins on his Champion Hurdle winners Faugheen and Annie Power, who could be seen over Christmas.

He said: “I keep hearing all of these things in the media about how she [Annie Power] is about to retire and this and that, but she’s fine. Hopefully we'll have her out at Christmas, if not soon afterwards.

“Faugheen is also fine. He just had a silly little stone bruise and he keeps irritating it. I’m incredibly confident that they will both make Cheltenham and hopefully be out around Christmas.”