Willie Mullins turns his attention to the La Barka in Paris

Ruby Walsh teams with Un De Sceaux for race with Thousand Stars also set to run

Ruby Walsh  on Un de Sceaux: “He’s still fit and has been working well.” Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Ruby Walsh on Un de Sceaux: “He’s still fit and has been working well.” Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Willie Mullins moves his international focus to Paris on Saturday when Un De Sceaux and Thousand Stars line up for the Grade 2 Prix La Barka at Auteuil.

Thousand Stars has won the traditional French Champion Hurdle trial on two occasions in the past, but Ruby Walsh will be teaming up with Un De Sceaux on this occasion.

The star two-mile chaser has been beaten in his last two starts over fences by Sprinter Sacre but prior to that had won all 14 of his completed starts.

“He’s still fit, has been working well and people had mentioned to us about sending him back hurdling, so these little fences should suit,” said Un De Sceaux part-owner Colm O’Connell.

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Six of the 13 Barka starters are British-trained, including Simonsig and the Dan Skelton-trained Al Ferof.

Stalwart sprinter Sole Power has another go at Haydock’s Temple Stakes on Saturday, a race he won in 2011.

Eddie Lynam's star will be ridden for the first time by French jockey Gregory Benoist.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column