Dunguib returns to action in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday, but jockey Brian O’Connell has warned punters that the superstar could have his work cut out on his return to action.

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The eight-year-old has not been seen since he finished sixth to Hurricane Fly at the Punchestown Festival, a race that followed his third behind Menorah in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He will have to face Hurricane Fly on Sunday and O’Connell explained:  "I'd like to think he has improved.  It looks a very strong race on paper. You've got Hurricane Fly and Solwhit, who seem to be leading the way this year, but we're looking forward to a good run out of our horse.

"Obviously he will improve for this first run this year.  I'm sure it will be testing ground but Leopardstown doesn't seem to get it as heavy as a lot of other tracks here in Ireland so I'm sure we'll have nice ground."

O’Connell has not given up hope on Dunguib reaching the very top and continued:  "There were plenty of positives to take out of the race (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle).  The form has been rock solid this year and it looks to have been an exceptional novice race last year.

"We'd be hoping for a good run from our horse but to expect to beat Hurricane Fly in our first run back would be a lot to ask.

"We'll just be hoping for a good run from our horse and for him to improve from that."