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.