Connections have ruled Faugheen out of a run over the festive period after it was confirmed he is recuperating from a setback.
The 2015 Champion Hurdle winner may turn 13 in a few weeks time, but he impressed when novice chasing last season, recording wins at Punchestown, Limerick and Leopardstown before finishing just a length behind winner Samcro in the Marsh Novices' Chase on his last appearance at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
It had been hoped the Willie Mullins-trained gelding would be able to make his seasonal reappearance over the Christmas period, but it has now been revealed that he suffered a setback in October and he is currently working his way back to fitness at his trainer's Closutton yard.
Patrick Mullins, assistant trainer to his father, confirmed the news saying: “He had a little setback at the end of October.
“We're just taking our time with him very much, so he won't be out at Christmas. We're just having to take our time.
“We'll just have to start again with him and if he's in great form we'll look for a race then, but he won't be out at Christmas.”
