Ruby Walsh remains tight-lipped on whether he will partner Faugheen or Hurricane Fly in next week's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Hurricane Fly is already a dual winner of the race and has defeated last year's champion Jezki three times already this season, most recently clinching his fifth Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

But the unbeaten Faugheen is four years younger than his esteemed stable companion and is the hot favourite for the main event on the opening day of the Festival.

Walsh is keen to leave a decision as late as possible, having got it wrong when Kauto Star was defeated by Denman in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"That was sore," Walsh told the Irish Examiner.

"There is nothing worse than making the wrong decision. Those decisions could happen again but it wouldn't be made for sentiment anyway.

"It is just a horse race. It is not life or death. But when you are a professional you still like to be on the right one.

"They are both in great form at home. Hurricane, for me, is the form horse at the moment. Faugheen has the potential. We'll see how they work in the next few days and we will make a decision then.

"I'm delighted with both of them. Faugheen is working really well, he is a good work horse, so you would be expecting him to.

"Hurricane Fly is definitely in really good fettle at the moment."