BEFORE the current jumping season even began to get into full swing came the shock news that Willie Mullins and Gigginstown House Stud were parting ways. For Mullins this represented the loss of some 60 horses, among them a number of quality sorts. For such a sizeable number to leave his care in the space of a day in late September was surely quite a blow to Mullins. It has sparked premature speculation as to whether Gordon Elliott, one of the chief beneficiaries of the split, could launch a sustained challenge for the trainer’s title.

As the first half of December passed by Elliott continued to hold a good lead in the trainers’ championship. Indeed he was fast closing in on his personal best tally of winners (126) which was set during the 2015/16 season but it should also be stressed that at this stage Mullins was only just beginning to unleash the array of talent still at his disposal.

Before the Gigginstown-Mullins split there was the news that Henry de Bromhead and owners Alan and Ann Potts were going their separate ways after more than a decade that took in a host of high profile triumphs.

However, far better news was to follow for de Bromhead who welcomed an influx of horses from Gigginstown. One of these was the former Mullins inmate Valseur Lido who struck Grade 1 gold on his debut for the trainer at Down Royal last month while rising star Sub Lieutenant and Peace News are other recruits to have bolstered de Bromhead’s team.

On a slightly different note but equally surprising was Colm Murphy’s announcement in late September that he was to retire from training within a matter of days. Murphy’s decision to retire, which was made on financial grounds, brought to an end a successful and distinguished career.

The Champion Hurdle winner Brave Inca, the top two-miler Big Zeb and the brilliant but fragile Feathard Lady were among those to have represented Murphy since he began training in 2000. In hindsight it was fitting that before he bowed out Murphy once again made his presence felt on the greatest stage of all last spring when Empire Of Dirt struck at Cheltenham.