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We speak to star Irish trainer Willie Mullins, who discusses Cheltenham Festival contenders including Galopin Des Champs, El Fabiolo, Lossiemouth and more!
The Closutton handler has saddled a remarkable 88 Cheltenham Festival winners, with 10 of them coming to last year’s meeting including State Man, Vauban and Facile Vega.
The trio are all back this year with chances alongside Gold Cup favorite Galopin Des Champs, Champion Chase hopeful Energumene and more – we chat to the Irish Champion Trainer about all the main possibilities.
The Great Novice Obstacles
“Facile Vega disappointed us, but I think we made a tactical mistake at Leopardstown on the last day, but I think he will be fine. We will ride him in a different way.
“He’s had an easy few days and I’m happy with how he came out of the race.”
Paul Townend smiles for the camera after steering Facile Vega to victory at Fairyhouse
“Il Etait Temps jumped better and I think he will improve again. We have a lot of work to do and everything has to be done right.
“He’s a real hurdling type rather than a chaser but he’s always shown he has great ability, he just needs to perfect his jump a little bit. Once he gets it, he’ll tackle the best.
“We’ve always thought he was a first-class horse. He’s probably the best two I’ve ever had, so hopefully he’ll come.”
Ballymore Novices Hurdle
“Gaelic Warrior won last handicap and was second at Boodles last year so we know he handles the track.
“He’s improving and I think he’s good enough to take a chance at Ballymore.
Gaelic soldier
“Impaire Et Passe won the Moscow Flyer at Punchestown. Normally that’s a step up for Supreme, but this guy won a race two and a half miles before that to get him up to Ballymore.
“Champ Kiely won Lawlors of Naas who bought tickets to go to Ballymore.”
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Obstacle
“Embassy Gardens looks great for Albert Bartlett, despite having Ballymore Sponsors. He looks made for racing.”
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Jockey Danny Mullins admits he may have been more unlucky when running against Lossiemouth at Leopardstown but believes Gala Marceau is in terms of talent.
Triumph Hurdle
“Lossiemouth were very unlucky on the last day with traffic problems. They are favorites and I think they have nothing to lose, apart from the prize money.
“Blood Destiny’s previous win put him in the picture. I didn’t run him at Leopardstown because I wanted to keep him fresh but he’s very good and there’s a good chance.
“Gala Marceau won at Leopardstown and he’s improving all the time. He’s another one with a good chance.”
Daryl Jacob and El Fabiolo won the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown
Arkle Novices’ Chase
“I’ve always been very interested in El Fabiolo and if you go back to the second half of his life, he ran Jonbon to Aintree.
“It doesn’t matter what happens, they are there and it just depends on which horse is the best in the winter. Our people show a lot.”
Champion Hurdle
“I think the State Man will move on any ground. Constitution Hill seems like the ground is faster so we have to put it on the show.
“There’s something else about him as a very deep horse. I’ve never looked at him and said: ‘That’s the height of his power’.
“Constitution Hill made a few runs last time but can change tactics. I’m sure Paul [Townend, jockey] will have a mind.”
Paul Townend celebrates winning the Irish Champion Hurdle at State Man
Queen Mother Champion Chase
“We’ll see what we do today, but I think I’m worried about Energumene only getting over the first fence.
“It was a new fence with a new white board at Cheltenham last time. Also, it was a different track but now he has played around there with a new fence I think he will be a different horse. He needed a run.
“Gentleman De Mee was electric at Leopardstown and put him there with a fantastic opportunity.”
Mares obstacle
“I want to try and go to Punchestown with Brandy Love if I can. I know it’s the wrong way because she prefers the left but I want to run to her.
“The Mares race could be the hottest race of the Festival, with Epatante and Honeysuckle returning. It’s going to be a race!”
Obstacle Stayers
“I wouldn’t say Klassical Dream is a runner by any means, but he’s doing the right thing.
“If I have to wait for Aintree or Punchestown with him then so be it. We’re not going to rush him.”
Teahupoo and Jack Kennedy (right) win the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle from Klassical Dream (centre) and Honeysuckle (left)
Turners’ Novice Chase
“I don’t know what to do with Sir Gerhard yet. He has no experience, so would it be better for him to go two and a half with less jumping or to go three miles with more jumping but slower?”
Chase Mares
“Allegorie De Vassy looks to have great talent and a clear runner that will make him competitive.
“Elimay ran a cracker the other day and I needed to get a run to him. I like the way he traveled to turn to the front. I think that will bring him big.”
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Patrick Mullins is confident that the three-mile, two-furlong Gold Cup trip at Cheltenham should be no problem for favorite Galopin Des Champs.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
“We have Galopin Des Champs and Stattler in the Gold Cup and both have great chances.
“Galopin Des Champs won the Irish Gold Cup and did well. It’s probably not what a lot of people expected, but I don’t think it should be. The race.
“Stattler has progressed well from second at Tramore with Minella Indo and had a fantastic trial at Leopardstown on the final day.”
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Willie Mullins has two fine arrows to throw in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and is also nominating a handicap dark horse for the Festival.
The dark horse is flawed
“I had a really good one in Thurles the other day with Spanish Harlem and if he’s strong enough then he’ll go into the Martin Pipe and is something to watch out for.
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