Willie Mullins is optimistic of having Annie Power up to speed in time for her to compete at the Punchestown Festival in April.
The Mullins camp suffered a major setback in January when last year's Champion Hurdle winner picked up a leg injury at her stables, ruling her out of this year's Cheltenham Festival.
The season was thought to be over for the nine-year-old but Mullins has now revealed the star mare has a chance of running at Punchestown at the end of April, while also mooting a possible outing in France as well.
“She seems good and we're very pleased with how she's responding,” said Mullins. “I would say we'll aim for Punchestown with her. We could go to France, but let's get her back first before we make plans for her.”
However, the news on fellow stable star Faugheen is not so positive, Mullins confirming that the 2015 Champion Hurdle winner will not be seen again until next season due to a stress fracture.
“I'm sure we'll see Faugheen again, whether it's this season or next season. I wouldn't have any reason to retire him,” added Mullins.
“The problem he has now should be a maximum of 12 weeks (to recover). Hopefully we'll be getting him out early (next season).”
