Willie Mullins could be set to unleash some of his stable superstars in Britain before the end of the year, as he bids to retain his UK champion Jump trainer’s crown in 2024-25.
The Closutton handler created history on bet365 Jump Finale day at Sandown Park back in April when becoming the first Irish trainer in 70 years to land the title. That feat was made possible by a bumper haul of Cheltenham Festival winners in March and I Am Maximus’s success in the Randox Grand National the following month.
But Mullins, who is the most successful trainer of all time at the Cheltenham Festival with 103 winners, is already eyeing Grade 1 prizes in Britain during the first half of the season, as well as races at the three Cheltenham fixtures this side of Christmas.
Gaelic Warrior, winner of the My Pension Expert Arkle Trophy Novices’ Chase last season, could form part of the Mullins challenge for the Grade 1 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day (Thursday 26th December). That Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival win in March came on Gaelic Warrior’s first attempt at two miles over fences but Mullins described the Rich and Susannah Ricci-owned six-year-old as an ‘extraordinary horse’, who can make an impact back at longer distances.
Speaking at a stable visit organised by The Jockey Club to see Randox Grand National hero I Am Maximus, Mullins said: “Last year we were trying to make Gaelic Warrior into a three-miler and I had no problem with him going three miles, but he ended up winning the Arkle Novices’ Chase on his first attempt over fences at two miles.
“He looks a natural to it but he could kick up to be a King George VI Chase horse as well. He had that sort of ability but we will have a chat with Rich (Ricci, owner) first and see what direction he wants to go. He could do any trip - he is an extraordinary horse.”
Potential contenders
Other potential King George contenders for Mullins include Fact To File, winner of the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and Asterion Forlonge, who was still in contention when falling at the last in the 2021 running won by stablemate Tornado Flyer.
Mullins added: “We have a lot of horses which could go to the King George. Galopin Des Champs will probably be at Leopardstown, where he won last year, but Fact To File could and also Asterion Forlonge, who ran a great race in it a few years ago.”
Meanwhile dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Energumene, who missed last season through injury, and El Fabiolo are both possible contenders for the Grade 1 Betfair Tingle Creek Chase over two miles at Sandown Park on Saturday 7th December.
Mullins explained: “Energumene could go for the Tingle Creek Chase but it is more than likely he will go to Cork for the Hilly Way Chase after missing last season.
“El Fabiolo could also go to Sandown. He is making nice progress coming back to himself this year. We will see how they are progressing as the Autumn kicks on.’’
El Fabiolo started odds-on favourite for last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase but was pulled up after a bad jumping mistake at the fifth fence.
Having another go
The trainer added: “He is a horse who normally jumps very well. He will have another crack at it. He is young, he is only seven and he has another couple of years to be at his best.”
As he bids to defend his title, Mullins looks likely to have more runners at Cheltenham’s three meetings in the remainder of 2024 – The Showcase (October 25th and 26th), The November Meeting (November 15th, 16th and 17th) and The Christmas Meeting (December 13th and 14th).
He said: “I think we will probably have a few more entries than we usually have at the earlier Cheltenham meetings.
“You have had a lot of rain in England compared to what we have had over here so the ground will not be an issue as it can be in other years for us.
‘‘I can see ourselves being more proactive going to Cheltenham.’’
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