Ruby Walsh has opted to ride Faugheen in the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham festival.

Walsh was in the enviable position of having to choose between Hurricane Fly, who has won more Grade Ones than any other National Hunt horse, or the favourite Faugheen in Tuesday's race.

Hurricane Fly has already won the Champion Hurdle twice, but has also been beaten in the race twice.

Faugheen is unbeaten and ran away with the Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham 12 months ago.

"You can only ride one in the Champion Hurdle and I think Faugheen is the one that is going to win," Walsh said.

"I think his younger legs might be the difference, but there is every chance I might be wrong.

"Their last bits of work were very good, but I have just come down in favour of Faugheen."

Trainer Willie Mullins also confirmed Annie Power would take her place in the Mares' Hurdle rather than the World Hurdle.