Wathnan joins Willie Mullins

WILLIE Mullins is the latest trainer to be added to the Wathnan Racing roster. The Qatari ownership operation has been spending freely in recent weeks and is expected to make a major impact at Royal Ascot in a fortnight’s time. Among the latest acquisitions by Wathnan is Irish 2000 Guineas runner-up Haatem, progressive sprinter Shartash and promising two-year-old Shadow Army.

However, one of their purchases who is not going to the Royal meeting is the Willie Mullins-trained Lope De Lilas. This three-year-old filly, who won a Leopardstown maiden impressively last month, is being aimed at the Irish Oaks. Wathnan spokesperson and bloodstock agent Richard Brown said: “She could have been a Ribblesdale candidate, but we have put a line through that and Willie is keen to go to the Irish Oaks with her. It’s not for me to tell Willie Mullins how to train, so that is what we will be doing.”

Shark Hanlon open morning

TRAINER Shark Hanlon is inviting members of the public to visit his yard on Saturday, June 15th, from 10am to noon. Pre-registration is required through the HRI Owners website.

Web: racehorseownership.ie/openmorning