WILLIE MULLINS’ CHAMPION superstar Faugheen suffered the first defeat of his career at Punchestown this afternoon.

Stablemate Nichols Canyon won Sunday’s feature, the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle, by a half-length from the 1/6 favourite.

The winner was immediately cut to 6/1 to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next March while Faugheen drifted slightly to 5/4.

“They went a good gallop and Nichols did it the hard way out in front,” Mullins said afterwards.

“He jumped fantastic. Maybe he has improved more.

Until (Ruby Walsh) tells me something wasn’t right, I’m not making any excuses for Faugheen.

Sprinter Sacre: still believing. Tim Goode Tim Goode

At Cheltenham, Sprinter Sacre looked to be back to his imperious best as he romped to a 14-length victory in the Grade 2 Shloer Chase.

It was a first win since April 2013 for Nicky Henderson’s superstar who has battled a run of injuries that seemed destined to cut him down in his prime.

“It had to happen or otherwise the doubters would have been winning the argument and we had to come and do something,” Henderson said.

If it hadn’t happened today, people would have stopped believing.

Punchestown – Sunday’s winners

• 12.35 – Colla Pier (13/2)
• 13.05 – Sizing John (4/7 Fav)
• 13.40 – Shantou Flyer (5/1)
• 14.15 – Nichols Canyon (7/1 2Fav)
• 14.45 – Conal (3/1 CFav)
• 15.20 – Steel Wave (11/4 Fav)
• 15.55 – Billy’s Hope (4/1)

Fog, fire and tears – the best pictures from the sporting week