Faugheen proved the old ones really are the best as he penned another chapter of his remarkable story with a Flogas Novice Chase triumph - at the age of 12.
The 2015 Champion Hurdle hero, so many times on the precipice of retirement, worked the Leopardstown crowd into a frenzy as he got the better of his Willie Mullins stablemate Easy Game by half a length under Paul Townend.
“I was praying for Faugheen!” said an emotional Mullins - also responsible for third Tornado Flyer and fourth home Castlebawn West - dismissing the suggestion of divided loyalties.
“I wanted Faugheen to win in a big way. I’d been gutted if he was beaten.
“It was one of the most special winners I’ve ever had.”
Faugheen had been affected by an uneven heartbeat when pulled up over hurdles at Aintree in April, but Mullins was determined to proceed with a plan to go steeplechasing this season.
“I didn’t want to retire him without going over jumps, because that’s what we bought him for,” he added.
“Look what he can do at 12 - we should have done it earlier, but there you are!
“He’s got everything. He’s got stamina, he’s got speed, he can jump. The whole package.
“And he’s got a will, as well.”
Faugheen holds entries in all three of Cheltenham’s novice chases - from the two-mile Arkle Trophy to the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase over three - but Mullins refused to express a preference.
“I’m not going to answer,” he laughed. “I said today was his Gold Cup. He’s done it, and we’re going to enjoy it.”
