IT was fantastic to be back at Cheltenham last weekend and to witness the reception Sprinter Sacre received after winning the Shloer Chase on Sunday, under Nico de Boinville.

De Boinville has been a long-term ally of Sprinter Sacre, partnering the former Queen Mother Champion Chase winner in his exercise at home, and was blown away by the performance on Sunday.

It was the first victory for the Nicky Henderson-trained star since April 2013 and de Boinville said: "He was fantastic and I was lucky I had the thrill of riding him, but even watching him must have been something special.

"He was jumping and travelling like his old self and he did that well in the end, even kicking clear after the last and putting them to the sword. I haven't got a clue what the plans are – I'm just enjoying the moment."

William Hill make Sprinter Sacre their 5-4 favourite for the Tingle Creek at Sandown, but with Un De Sceaux dominating the Betway Champion Chase market, he can be backed at 4-1 for Cheltenham.

While Sprinter Sacre was leaving the winners' enclosure at Cheltenham, punters were gathered around the big screen to witness Faugheen's comeback run at Punchestown. But it didn't go to plan as he was beaten by stable companion Nichols Canyon.

Sent off at just 1-6 for what was widely assumed to be a routine victory in his first run of the season, Faugheen was unable to pick up and pass Nichols Canyon when rider Ruby Walsh asked for a finishing effort.

He was pushed out to as big as 2-1 to defend his Champion Hurdle crown, while Nichols Canyon is a general 6-1 shot for the same race.

The pair's trainer Willie Mullins said: "That's a surprise and a completely different outcome to when they worked on Tuesday when Faugheen ran away from Nichols Canyon.

"We'll see how Faugheen comes out of the race and, for now, I'm making no excuses. Ruby said he hung throughout the race and he just didn't pick up the way he can."

Walsh, who had partnered Faugheen in eight of his wins, added: "That was very disappointing."

Nichols Canyon is no slouch, being a four-time Grade 1 winner before this, but odds of 7-1 illustrated both the size of the task facing him and the weight of expectation that Faugheen would extend his winning streak to 11.

Faugheen settled in second behind front-runner Nichols Canyon, with the last of the Willie Mullins-trained trio Wicklow Brave close behind, and the three went well clear of the rest of the field approaching the turn for home.

That is when it transpired all was not going to plan for Faugheen, who was urged along by Walsh, but seemed to have mislaid the powerful turn of foot which so impressed in wins at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals and, in a fighting finish, could only get within half a length of the winner.

Mullins added: "Nichols Canyon did win four Grade 1s as a novice and after that performance we'll have to seriously consider the Champion Hurdle for him rather than going back up in trip with him. The winner went a good gallop and found more when he had to."

The victory was a first Grade 1 win for rider David Mullins, the trainer's 19-year-old nephew, but family celebrations will no doubt be somewhat muted by concerns about whether Faugheen the machine just needs a tune up or if this loss means something more serious is amiss.

Mullins will be hoping for better tomorrow as Vautour, favourite for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, is set to make his return to action at Ascot and his jockey Ruby Walsh cannot wait to renew their partnership.

The six-year-old, a two-time winner at the Cheltenham Festival, is in line to run in the Stella Artois 1965 Chase tomorrow before a crack at the William Hill King George VI Chase, which could lead to the Gold Cup, for which he is 4-1.

Walsh said: "He seems to be really well and we're happy with him. I love him. He has so much natural ability and is so straightforward.

"He's a horse we've always thought a hell of a lot of. He was a good winner of a Supreme, but he always struck me as a horse who'd improve when he went further. He was such a good jumper and I thought fences would bring out the best in him."

Vautour, who runs in the colours of Susannah Ricci, owes his place at the head of the King George and Gold Cup markets to his sensational 15-length win in the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Walsh reflected: "I was looking forward to riding him at Cheltenham, but I didn't expect him to be as good on the day as he was. He was magnificent.

"I thought he'd win, but I didn't think he'd win by as far as he did."

Vautour has to prove he will stay the 3m 2½f Gold Cup trip, but Walsh, who does not think the son of Robin Des Champs should be favourite for the race, is optimistic it will not be a problem.

"It's a big question," he added. "It's an extra six furlongs and you have some really good horses to take on. It will be interesting and I think he'll stay.

"You have the Gold Cup winner Coneygree, who is a guaranteed stayer and looks very uncomplicated. You imagine he should be favourite."