WILLIE Mullins plans to send a strong team to Auteuil next weekend for the famous Grand Steeple Chase de Paris fixture.

Mullins has had plenty of success at the French track in the past though he has never won the feature race, which takes place on Sunday. “Al Boum Photo, Burrows Saint and possibly Kemboy could run in the Grand Steep,” he told The Irish Field. The Bill Durkan-trained Screaming Colours is also engaged in the three-mile, six-furlong chase, which was won last year by the Louisa Carberry-trained Docteur De Ballon.

Of Saturday's Grand Course de Haies (French Champion Hurdle), Mullins said: “Tornado Flyer and Klassical Dream are possible runners there.” That race is over an extended three miles.

Mullins also confirmed that both Stormy Ireland and Concertista have been retired. Concertista pulled up lame at Punchestown but has been saved for breeding.

The champion trainer will not be idle this summer as he is already making plans for Royal Ascot. He reported: “Stratum is likely to go for the Queen Alexandra, the race he won last year, and we have Burning Victory entered for the Gold Cup. Hopefully we will have one or two for the staying handicap too, including Bring On The Night.”