JUMPS STABLE TOURS WILLIE MULLINS 2021–2022
Acapella Bourgeois
11-year-old gelding
Network (sire) – Jasmine (dam)
Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate
Form figures: 61/2510-
Racing Post Rating: 159c Official Rating: 155c
He’s back and in good form. We’ll probably aim him towards veteran chases and Aintree. Hopefully he’ll be able to win a race somewhere along the way this season.
Adamantly Chosen
4g Well Chosen – Sher’s Adamant
Watch This Space Syndicate
1
RPR 123b
Jody Townend gave him a great ride to win the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He wasn’t an expensive horse [€24,000 as a three-year-old] but we’ve had some luck with this family in the past, with his dam being out of a sister to Adamant Approach. We’ll start him off over hurdles and hope that he could be as good as Adamant Approach.
Dark horse
Agusta Gold
8m Gold Well – Chloes Choice
Dr S P Fitzgerald
32/140-8
RPR 144c OR 145c
She’s come back good and strong. Her best runs were early last season, but we’re trying to gear her towards the second half of the campaign for those big staying chases like the Thyestes Chase, Grand National and Irish Grand National. One of those types of races will be her target.
Star quality
Allaho
7g No Risk At All – Idaho Falls
Cheveley Park Stud
3/6411-2
RPR 178c OR 174c
He was electric around Cheltenham when winning the Ryanair Chase. Rachael Blackmore gave him a great ride on the day and I’d imagine the Ryanair would look odds-on for him again this year. We’re going to think about the King George at Kempton; he’ll get an entry there. Being by No Risk At All, I’m not so sure that he’d stay the Gold Cup trip, but he’s going to be more mature again this season and we’ll start him off around the time of the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown and see after that. Chacun Pour Soi was very good against him at Punchestown, but I still wouldn’t give up on Allaho over two miles. I think we can improve the way he ran at Punchestown, which puts him right there in the firing line in Grade 1 races over two miles.
Star quality
Al Boum Photo
9g Buck’s Boum – Al Gane
Mrs J Donnelly
211/13-2
RPR 178c OR 170c
I’ll probably campaign him a bit more this time around. Last season it maybe didn’t suit him having the long Covid break. He missed his run at Punchestown after the festival was cancelled and he wasn’t getting back to the track until New Year’s Day at Tramore – that possibly impacted him when going for his third Gold Cup at Cheltenham. He’ll be campaigned a little differently to try to get him to the Gold Cup with a harder fitness than he had before. He still produced a good run at Cheltenham last season but I think the way it panned out for him was more about his preparation than how the race unfolded on the day.
Annamix
8g Martaline – Tashtiyana
Mrs S Ricci
4-5P332
RPR 158c OR 152c
He’s been having a good, solid season and looks like he could land a decent handicap chase somewhere. His next start will probably come in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury. Nice ground suits him so we won’t run him hugely over the winter. If he’s not able to win in the early autumn, it might be the spring.
Appreciate It
7g Jeremy – Sainte Baronne
Miss M A Masterson
12/1111-
RPR 165h OR 160h
He looks like a chaser and will go over fences. He can always go back over hurdles if things don’t work out for him but, to look at him, you’d think he’s a chaser. If he can replicate over fences what he does over hurdles at two miles, he could be awesome. He does everything right so hopefully we get a bit of luck this season and all goes well.
Aramon
8g Monsun – Aramina
Aramon Syndicate
6452/11-
RPR 163h OR 163h
He won last season’s Galway Hurdle but didn’t run again after encountering a setback. We’re hoping he’ll be back for the second half of the season. Given his Graded-class rating, you’d be looking to aim for the highest bars with him.
Ashroe Diamond
4f Walk In The Park – Saine D’Esprit
Blue Blood Racing Club
12
RPR 113b
She looked very impressive when winning at Wexford in May before finishing second in a competitive Galway festival bumper. I’d imagine she’ll go hurdling this season and, like most of our novice mares, we’ll be looking at the Grade 1 mares’ novice hurdle at Fairyhouse and/or the mares’ novice hurdle at Cheltenham. I think she has good ability.
Asterion Forlonge
7g Coastal Path – Belle Du Brizais
Mrs J Donnelly
FF433-1
RPR 169c OR 162c
He really came right at Punchestown when winning the novice handicap chase off top weight and he probably prefers right-handed tracks. However, that won’t stop me running him left-handed if that’s where the races are. We’ll see if we can get more improvement out of him, I think it’s there and he may just be a late developer. Like with many of our horses, the John Durkan at Punchestown will be open to him.
Bacardys
10g Coastal Path – Oasice
Shanakiel Racing Syndicate
3/4P57-9
RPR 159h OR 148h
He goes novice chasing this season – I’m not listening to any of my jockeys! He’s been a little unlucky over fences so far but has got to a stage now where he could have a nice novice season. He’s a ten-year-old but if Faugheen can win a Grade 1 at 12, Bacardys hopefully might go close.
Bachasson
10g Voix Du Nord – Belledonne I
Edward O’Connell
61/1111-
RPR 165c 155h OR 162c 150h
I’m hoping he’s a forever young, Peter Pan type of horse. He bounces back when I think he’s gone. He looks great and is as strong as ever. I’d imagine we’ll do as we did last season, mixing it between hurdles and fences as those Grade 2 and 3 races appear, possibly more at country tracks.
Belle Metal
4f Soldier Of Fortune – Elphis Supreme
Kenneth Alexander
11-
RPR 119b
She was a revelation at Naas on her bumper debut in January to win so well, and she then confirmed that with a Listed win at Limerick in March. We put her away for the season afterwards and we’re looking forward to her going hurdling. We have a nice bunch of novice mares and she’ll be right up there.
Billaway
9g Well Chosen – Taipans Girl
J Turner
21125-2
RPR 147c
He has the ability to win the Festival Hunters’ Chase at Cheltenham and the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown, so he’ll be campaigned along those lines. I’ve promised his owner John Turner that we’ll do everything we can to win the big one at Cheltenham, a race that probably has the best trophy in racing. I’m certainly waiting to see John fill it up and I’ll do my best!
Blackbow
8g Stowaway – Rinnce Moll
Roaringwater Syndicate
2/1F336-
RPR 154c OR 151c
He’s another nice chaser. While he probably hasn’t hit the top echelon over fences, I think there are lots of races to be won with him if the ball bounces more favourably this time around.
Bleu Berry
10g Special Kaldoun – Somosierra
Luke McMahon
8/01313
RPR 146c
I’m hoping he’s going to be a smart novice chaser for Luke McMahon. He won the Coral Cup in 2018 and has every chance of being a useful sort over fences. He ran well when third in Grade 3 company on Sunday at Cork where I’m not sure the very testing conditions would have been ideal for him. He’ll stick to around two and a half miles.
Blue Sari
6g Saddex – Blue Aster
JP McManus
14P/PF-P
RPR 142h OR 138h
We’ve thought a lot of him from his four-year-old bumper season. He’s had little issues that I think have just held him back, but hopefully with age and maturity he’ll cast those aside. There’s an engine in there and he could be nicely handicapped over hurdles.
Blue Lord
6g Blue Bresil – Lorette
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
123F-3
RPR 155h OR 148h
He was running a cracker in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle when falling at the last. We were hard enough on him last season and that probably told at the end of the season at Punchestown. I think he’s more of a chaser.
Brahma Bull
10g Presenting – Oligarch Society
Mrs S Ricci
P0-1023
RPR 161c OR 157c
He has the credentials to win a top-class handicap chase. We’ve been talking about whether he’ll turn to cross-country racing or not, but I think for the moment he deserves his opportunity to run in the Ladbrokes Trophy and possibly the Thyestes Chase. I’d imagine by Christmas we’ll have decided on whether or not we explore the cross-country route. His overall form is very good and I think there’s a big one in him.
Brandy Love
5m Jet Away – Bambootcha
Claudio Michael Grech
1/1-3
RPR 112b
She won a point-to-point impressively before winning a bumper in good style for us at Fairyhouse in December. Things didn’t quite happen for her when she was third at the Dublin Racing Festival on ground that might not have been completely ideal. She’s another nice mare, though, and I think she could need a trip to be seen at her best over hurdles.
Brooklynn Glory
6m Fame And Glory – Clamit Brook
Swords Bloodstock Limited
1149-
RPR 115b
A lovely, big, athletic mare who looks like she’d like good ground, but all her best form is on heavy. She’ll go novice hurdling this season and is big enough to jump a fence in time.
Burning Victory
5m Nathaniel – M’Oubliez Pas
Mrs Audrey Turley
11/77
RPR 142h OR 143h
She had a good summer on the Flat in France and ran a cracker in the Cesarewitch when just unfortunate to meet a Nicky Henderson special in Buzz. Even though she won the Triumph Hurdle, jumping hasn’t always been her forte and we’ll maybe be looking for mares’ races over a longer trip where she’d be able to handle hurdles better.
Burrows Saint
8g Saint Des Saint – La Bombonera
Mrs S Ricci
31/2624-
RPR 160c OR 156c
He ran his heart out when fourth in the Grand National. You’d wonder if he truly stayed, but that can be a funny race, and age and maturity count for an awful lot once you get over eight years of age. It looked as though he loved the place and going back next year a bit stronger and older, he must have a huge each-way chance.
Capodanno
5g Manduro – Day Gets Up
JP McManus
2/3134-1
RPR 151h OR 147h
I’m really looking forward to going over fences with him. He’s got a huge stride and a big jump and I don’t think Mark Walsh will be letting anyone else get their leg across this fellow in the early stage of the season anyway.
Carefully Selected
9g Well Chosen – Knockamullen Girl
Miss M A Masterson
1/3111U/
RPR 154c OR 152c
He didn’t run last season after a setback, but I’m hoping that he’ll be back for the second half of the campaign. He’s got a good rating and I’m hoping we can aim high with him.
Cash Back
9g Linda’s Lad – Holding
Watch This Space Syndicate
112F/FF-
RPR 157c OR 156c
He had a couple of falls last season but with what we learned about him then, I hope we can position him differently over fences this time. I think this could be a better season for him.
Castlebawn West
8g Westerner – Cooksgrove Lady
Mrs R Boyd, Mrs M J Armstrong & Exors of Late J B Anderson
514U/31-
RPR 166c OR 163c
He won the Paddy Power Chase when last seen before missing the rest of the campaign with a setback. I’d imagine we’ll be looking to the second half of the season and given he’s now up to a rating of 163, the Irish Gold Cup could be an option.
Star quality
Chacun Pour Soi
9g Policy Maker – Kruscyna
Mrs S Ricci
1/1113-1
RPR 179c OR 176c
He’s come back in great order and I’d imagine he’ll go back for the Champion Chase again this season – that’ll be his goal. Paul Townend was very positive on him at Punchestown and maybe we’ll ride him more that way this season. I’ll be looking towards the weekend of the Hilly Way, Tingle Creek and John Durkan Chase [on December 4 and 5] in terms of where he could start off.
Champ Kiely
5g Ocovango – Cregg So
Miss M A Masterson
U-1
RPR 121b
He won a Limerick bumper in May under Jody and I think he’s another nice horse to go novice hurdling with. He looks to have lots of stamina and could be in the staying division.
Ciel De Neige
6g Authorized – In Caso Di Neve
JP McManus
99-2901
RPR 145h OR 140h
We got a nice race out of him at Sligo lately and he’s declared for Fairyhouse on Tuesday. He’s entered in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham so we’ll see how things go.
Cilaos Emery
9g Califet – Queissa
Luke McMahon
4/218-42
RPR 167c OR 160c
He clearly has an engine. Sometimes his jumping can let him down over fences but he’ll be campaigned along similar lines to last season.
Classic Getaway
5g Getaway – Classic Magic
Cheveley Park Stud
1-1
RPR 125b
He’s done some lovely work since coming down here and won his bumper well over two and a half miles at Tipperary in May. While he’s prominent in the betting for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, I’d imagine novice hurdling will be on the agenda.
Concertista
7m Nathaniel – Zagzig
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
31/112-3
RPR 156h OR 152h
She’s a fine, big mare and I don’t think she ran her best race at Cheltenham last season when second in the Mares’ Hurdle. We’re going to go novice chasing this year – she looks a real strong mare to do that. She’s not short of pace and could be top of the mares’ novice chasing division. I’d imagine that two and a half miles will suit her well and we’ll try to get plenty of experience into her in case she’s good enough to travel for the Mares’ Chase like Colreevy [as a novice] did last season.
Dark Raven
4g Malinas – Mary Wilkie
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
11-
RPR 130b OR –
He was a little surprise package last season, having been led out unsold at €17,000 at the Derby Sale. It shows that people can find horses like that even on a budget. He looks a nice novice with plenty of speed. We’ll see how his jumping technique is before finalising a trip for him.
Dysart Diamond
6m Shirocco – Dysart Dancer
Ms Eleanor Manning
0-02912
RPR 140h OR 139h
She keeps surprising me. Every time she’s placed we think she wants further, but she still comes back and wins over two miles. She’s quite ground dependent and likes a sound surface. We’ve entered her for the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and there’s every chance she could take up that engagement. She shows tremendous late pace.
Dysart Dynamo
5g Westerner – Dysart Dancer
Ms Eleanor Manning
1-1
RPR 135b OR –
Looking at him in the parade ring, one would think he’s a chasing type. However, we’re going hurdling this season. Being able to win bumpers at Clonmel and Punchestown during the last campaign probably means he’ll be able to compete over shorter trips.
Easy Game
9g Barastraight – Rule Of The Game
Nicholas Peacock
1-5P21U
RPR 165c OR 161c
He’s been good for his owner Nick Peacock and doesn’t owe us anything. While being a little unlucky to come down at Gowran, he’ll be campaigned around two to two and a half miles. We do think he is very ground-dependent, though, so if the word ‘heavy’ comes into the ground description, it probably wouldn’t suit him. On a good surface he can go toe-to-toe with the best of them.
Echoes In Rain
5m Authorized – Amarantine
Barnane Stud
5/1411-1
RPR 146h OR 143h
I think she has huge ability. She’s her own worst enemy in terms of being eager to get on with things. We didn’t campaign her on the Flat and we think she matured a lot last season, winning a Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival on her last start. If she can find the same level of maturing as she did last season, she could go the whole way to the top. She’ll start off in the Morgiana Hurdle. If she’s able to make that leap from novice to open company, she’s certainly one who we could see competing at the top level come the spring.
Egality Mans
7g Network – Quissisia Mans
Mrs J Donnelly
1/22/1F-
RPR 134h OR –
He won a maiden hurdle at Naas last season and looks a nice type with plenty of size and scope. I’d imagine he’ll start off over fences this season.
El Barra
7g Racinger – Oasaka
Mrs S Ricci
10421-1
RPR 138h OR 135h
It looks like he could be a decent novice chaser. He won on his final two starts of last season at Fairyhouse and Punchestown and I think he has enough speed to win over two miles. Maybe as the season goes on we can go up in trip.
Elimay
7m Montmartre – Hyde
John P McManus
1/22121-
RPR 159c OR 155c
She’s top class in the mares’ division. While she isn’t the biggest, she’s very strong and mature with great scope. To put in the performance she did when second to Colreevy in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham last season, that could be good enough to win the same race in the spring.
Elixir D’Ainay
7g Muhtathir – Perle Du Bocage
John P McManus
1/2/125F/
RPR 151h OR 149h
He missed last season but is back and looking good. He showed us a lot of promise as a novice hurdler – he was running well when unfortunate to come down at the second-last in the Supreme – and we’ll be getting him started off over fences soon.
En Beton
7g Network – Nee A Saint Voir
Cheveley Park Stud
2/52/31-
RPR 123h OR –
He’s not the sort you’d want to stand on your foot! Being such a fine stamp of an individual, it looks like long-distance chasing is going to be his game.
Star quality
Energumene
7g Denham Red – Olinight
Tony Bloom
11/111-1
RPR 171c OR 169c
While I was obviously disappointed to miss out on the Arkle at Cheltenham with him last season, I was delighted it was only a small injury that kept him out for a few weeks. He came back at Punchestown and was able to put things right. He’s an exciting one for all those two-mile chases. I’m very happy to have horses of the calibre of him and Chacun Pour Soi who can take on Shishkin; you’re lucky any time you have a good horse. We could look at starting him off in the John Durkan or the Hilly Way. The Tingle Creek is the day before those two and it’s not like me to take one to Sandown for that race, but we’ll see this year. There’s not any one horse who’s more likely to go to Sandown at this stage than another.
Fan De Blues
6g Poliglote – Tire En Touche
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
92-5112
RPR 142c OR 139c
He’s a lovely type who won a Grade 3 novice chase at Galway this summer. Sometimes I think we haven’t used the right tactics on him yet. Once we sort that, I think there could be a good handicap in him.
Farout
4g Dark Angel – Transhumance
Thurloe Thoroughbreds Ireland Limited
5-112
RPR 134h OR –
He has looked really good and was a fine buy for Thurloe Thoroughbreds, winning at Cork and Galway earlier this season. He did disappoint at Listowel, but that’s not deterring me from giving him an entry in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.
Ferny Hollow
6g Westerner – Mirazur
Cheveley Park Stud
1/2211/1-
RPR 147h OR –
He’s come back in great order after missing most of last season, having won a maiden hurdle at Gowran on his only start in November. He’s looking really strong this year, to the point I’m wondering if I’ve got him straight enough, but he’s taking all his training well. We’re looking forward to getting him going over fences.
Finest Evermore
5m Yeats – St Helans Bay
J Turner
2/1113-
RPR 135h OR –
She’s good and strong. I’m going to give her some more time pre-training and hopefully she’ll be back in shortly with a view to having her right for Christmas.
Five O’Clock
6g Cokoriko – Rodika
Mrs S Ricci
32/2117/
RPR 143h OR 144h
An old-fashioned staying chasing type who is back and looking well. He didn’t run last season but showed some good form as a novice hurdler.
Franco De Port
6g Coastal Path – Ruth
Bruton Street V
11252-F
RPR 159c OR 153c
He won the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown over two miles last season and that probably made me go down the route of shorter distances immediately afterwards. However, in hindsight, I’m not sure that was the best decision of the season. He later ran well when second over two and a half miles at Fairyhouse in April and is bred more for a trip, so I’ll be going down the staying route this season. With that in mind, he could have a nice mark over fences for a big handicap before he gets back into Graded company.
French Aseel
4g French Fifteen – Aseelah
Mrs J Donnelly
1
RPR 139h OR –
It was unfortunate that he met with a setback before Cheltenham, missing the Triumph Hurdle, and I don’t think he’ll be back this season. The good quality he showed in his work before he got injured last season means I’m not going to be in a hurry to bring him back. If I can get him back properly for the following season, that’s what I’ll do.
Gaillard Du Mesnil
5g Saint Des Saints – Athena Du Mesnil
Mrs J Donnelly
2/2112-1
RPR 155h OR 150h
A lovely type of individual, a nice, tall horse who has strengthened up this year. He had a good novice hurdle season and his method of jumping is good. I’ll be looking forward to him tackling middle distances over fences.
Galopin Des Champs
5g Timos – Manon Des Champs
Mrs Audrey Turley
12P61-1
RPR 161h OR 155h
I’d imagine we’ll go chasing with him. He certainly has plenty of stamina and showed that over three miles at the Punchestown festival, but I don’t think he’s short of speed either. I’m hoping that over fences this season he can show that.
Ganapathi
5g Samum – Une Dame D’Avril
Mrs J Donnelly
1/1250-F
RPR 146h OR 143h
He’s rated in the low 140s over hurdles but chasing could bring out more in him. That might be able to put him into good Graded company. Although he fell at the last when in the process of running a good race behind Gaillard Du Mesnil at Punchestown, he generally jumps well enough to improve over fences.
Gars En Noir
5g Masked Marvel – Touche Noire
Mrs J Donnelly
F1/3-
RPR 115h OR –
He looks a real chasing type. He had one run for us last season and I’ll probably give him the whole season off this time around. If he comes back in time for the Punchestown festival he might have a go there, but I doubt he’d run before.
Gauloise
5m Samum – Sans Histoire
Kenneth Alexander
11302-1
RPR 144h OR 138h
She’s a nice, strong mare and I had high hopes for her last season. She won well at Thurles early in the campaign but disappointed me a little in the spring before coming back and winning well at Punchestown. I must have a word with Kenny Alexander as to whether he’d like to go chasing with her – it might be the thing to do but no firm plan has been made yet.
Gentleman De Mee
5g Saint Des Saints – Koeur De Mee
John P McManus
22/10-7
RPR 136h OR 135h
He can be his own worst enemy at times. He’s quite keen and even though he has a nice handicap mark over hurdles, I feel he might be better utilised going over fences. It might make him think more about his jumping. I haven’t spoken with JP McManus about him but he’s training well and looks strong. I could see him maturing over a fence.
Gibraltar
4g Tamayuz – Red Halo
Edward Ware
1
RPR 127h OR –
We’ve run him only once at Roscommon in June. He won well there and did everything he was asked. I think he’ll improve but he’ll have to step up a good bit in class. Handicapping might be his game.
Glens Of Antrim
6m Flemensfirth – Cottage Theatre
John P McManus
42264-
RPR 130h OR 128h
She ran some very good races last season but didn’t manage to get her head in front, which means she’ll have a nice amount of experience coming into the novice category this time around. The big mares’ novice races will be there for her. Hopefully she’ll be able to put her experience to good use.
Grangee
5m Great Pretender – Quelle Mome
Syndicates.Racing
1316-1
RPR 123b OR –
While not the biggest mare, she’s matured nicely over the summer and has an engine. If she can utilise that over hurdles, she’s another one for those good mares’ novice races.
Grangeclare West
5g Presenting – Hayabusa
Cheveley Park Stud
1-1
RPR 115b OR –
It was a nice performance from him to win a bumper at Punchestown in May. Like Classic Getaway, in the same ownership, he seems to be towards the head of the betting for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but looks a real good recruit to our novice hurdling ranks this season.
Grand Bornand
5g Montmartre – Ubriska
Mrs S Ricci
4219-01
RPR 135c OR –
He won well on his first start over fences at the Galway festival and is on a mid-season break now. We’ll come back after Christmas with a view to going to the big spring festivals.
Haut En Couleurs
4g Saint Des Saints – Sanouva
Mrs J Donnelly
13-3
RPR 146h OR 145h
He was possibly one of our unluckiest horses last season. He ran well at Cheltenham to finish third in the Triumph Hurdle on his first start for us, but things didn’t quite work out for him in the Grade 1 at Punchestown. He’s well handicapped over hurdles but he can give himself hard races over the smaller obstacles and might be a candidate to go chasing.
Janidil
7g Indian Daffodil – Janidouce
John P McManus
5/13F1-2
RPR 160c OR 157c
He’s been a good servant for connections, winning at the top grade over two and a half miles at Fairyhouse in the spring. I think now he can probably step up in trip this season. He’s only really gone beyond mid-range distances once, but he can step up to three miles if needs be.
Jon Snow
6g Le Havre – Saroushka
Mrs S Ricci
3321/11-
RPR 156h OR 146h
He’s got some smart form over hurdles in novice company and he could be a useful recruit to chasing. He looks big enough for fences.
Jungle Boogie
7g Gold Well – A Better Excuse
Malcolm C Denmark
11-
RPR 135h OR –
A lovely, big horse who looks to have an engine. He won a bumper and a maiden hurdle for us nicely last season and he likes an ease in the ground. He’s had his soundness issues but if we can keep him right, he shows huge promise.
Kemboy
9g Voix Du Nord – Vitora
Kemboy/Brett Graham/Ken Sharp Syndicate
7/2219-4
RPR 174c OR 166c
He seems to love Leopardstown. I’d imagine we’ll aim him for the Christmas meeting there and the Dublin Racing Festival, having been just touched off in the Savills Chase and winning the Irish Gold Cup last season.
Keskonrisk
6g No Risk At All – La Courtille
Claudio Michael Grech
1/136-7
RPR 143h OR 135h
A new recruit to us this season [from Joseph O’Brien’s yard], he showed plenty of ability in the first half of the season. Later in the campaign might not have been as good for him, so that leaves him with a nice hurdles mark. However, looking at him, he seems a chaser and will be campaigned over fences this season.
Kilcruit
6g Stowaway – Not Broke Yet
Miss M A Masterson
2/112-1
RPR 142b OR –
A tall, light-framed horse who turned the tables on Sir Gerhard at the Punchestown festival when winning the Grade 1 bumper, having finished second at Cheltenham. He looks as though he’ll make a very decent novice hurdler. It would be great to think he might follow in Appreciate It’s footsteps this season.
Klassical Dream
7g Dream Well – Klassical Way
Mrs Joanne Coleman
11/135/1
RPR 171h OR 165h
He won the Supreme a couple of years ago but had soundness issues before coming back and winning well over three miles at last season’s Punchestown festival. I fully thought I’d move over fences with him, but when we take into his account his win at Punchestown and his previous soundness issues, it might be prudent to stick with hurdles in the staying division.
Lord Royal
6g Lord Du Sud – Tinoroyale
Paul Connell & Alan McGonnell
12/F527-
RPR 146c OR 144c
I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him over fences. He showed a lot on his first run for us over hurdles at Clonmel before disappointing, and things didn’t quite go his way last season over fences. He’s matured a lot over the summer and seems to have improved for his break.
Maze Runner
6g Authorized – Alice Rose
Mrs J M Mullins
1725/01-
RPR 143h OR 135h
He can compete in any of those nice weekend handicaps over a trip, as he showed at last season’s Dublin Racing Festival over three miles. While not the biggest or necessarily a future chaser, he’s a good dual-purpose horse. There’s another big handicap in him over hurdles and one on the Flat too, I hope. He ran well when fourth in the November Handicap at Naas on Sunday.
M C Muldoon
6g Mastercraftsman – Alizaya
Mrs Mullins, David Manasseh and Robert Brown
412-31
RPR 135h OR 132h
He ran a cracker when second in the Ascot Stakes before winning a novice hurdle at Galway and disappointing in the Cesarewitch. He’ll go back hurdling now. I still think he’s only really learning how to settle and race properly now over hurdles. Once he does that, he’ll be able to go up in grade.
Melon
9g Medicean – Night Teeny
Mrs J Donnelly
2/335P-P
RPR 168c OR 164c
I think there’s going to be a nice race in Melon this season. He looked like he was coming to win the Savills Chase last Christmas only to be just touched off by a top class A Plus Tard and Kemboy. With that sort of form, there’s every chance he can win a top-notch race over the coming months.
Micro Manage
5g Rip Van Winkle – Lillebonne
Merriebelle Irish Farm Limited
32-
RPR 123h OR –
He’s been a little bit disappointing on the Flat lately but remains a maiden over hurdles. I’m hoping that coming back to hurdles will see him have a good campaign.
Minella Cocooner
5g Flemensfirth – Askanna
David Bobbett
2-1
RPR 119b OR –
He’s come back well after winning a Kilbeggan bumper nicely under Patrick in June. He’ll start off over hurdles and, being by Flemensfirth out of an Old Vic mare, he’ll improve with softer winter conditions.
Mt Leinster
7g Beat Hollow – Sixhills
Roaringwater Syndicate
2134/6-3
RPR 148h 139c OR –
He disappointed me the other day at Wexford on his first start over fences when third. He jumped well and probably just raced too keenly after running on the Flat previously. When he settles down he can make his mark over fences.
Nikini
4f Sea Moon – Back Log
Gorm Agus Ban Syndicate
1
RPR 101b OR –
She’s on a break but will probably be aimed for mares’ black-type bumpers in the spring. Her owners, friends of Patrick’s, are very enthusiastic and seemed to get a real kick out of her winning at Ballinrobe in August.
Nos Na Gaoithe
4f Yeats – Peggy Cullen
Syndicates.Racing
1
RPR 99b OR –
She looked good when winning at Sligo in August. Being a half-sister to Rathvinden, I’d imagine she’s going to improve with age.
Ontheropes
7g Presenting – Dushion
Cheveley Park Stud
643P/2-1
RPR 154c OR 152c
He was very good in the Munster National on his first start after a break. His aim is the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury and it’s so far so good in terms of his preparation.
Pink In The Park
4f Walk In The Park – Pink Hat
Roaringwater Syndicate
1
RPR 115b OR –
She was impressive on her debut at Listowel and I’ve given her a break now to come back in the spring. She’s got a lovely pedigree, being from the family of Morley Street and Granville Again. With the Walk In The Park cross, she looks as though she could be very competitive in Graded bumpers.
Purple Mountain
6m Beat Hollow – Bluemountainbeach
Mrs A F Mee
5/110-11
RPR 125h OR –
She probably looked a bit fortunate to win her two races over hurdles. However, if it stays dry I might aim her towards the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, or a good mares’ novice in the meantime.
Ramillies
6g Shantou – Mrs Wallensky
Mrs J Donnelly
1/4/158-6
RPR 131b OR –
He won nicely at Leopardstown at Christmas before competing in the top bumper races. His homework has been better than what he shows on the track. I’m hoping once he has jumps in front of him, he might produce what we see from him at home.
Royal Rendezvous
9g King’s Theatre – Novacella
Dr S P Fitzgerald
1/2-0111
RPR 162c OR 161c
He really gave an exhibition in the Galway Plate and followed that up with a win in Grade 2 company at Gowran. The Clonmel Oil Chase will be his next target and I’d imagine we’ll keep him to middle-distance races for the season, given his style of racing.
Saldier
7g Soldier Hollow – Salve Evita
Mrs S Ricci
667-811
RPR 161h OR 162h
He’s been enjoying a good time of things so far this season. He’ll have the option of sticking to two miles for the Morgiana Hurdle or stepping up to two and a half miles for the Hatton’s Grace. We’ll look towards Leopardstown at Christmas too.
Saint Roi
6g Coastal Path – Sainte Vigne
John P McManus
11/1244-
RPR 159h OR 155h
He didn’t become the horse we hoped he would last season. I’ve asked JP McManus if I can go novice chasing with him, so he’ll start off doing that and if it doesn’t work out he can revert to hurdles. He’s not the biggest but we think he has great scope for jumping.
Saint Sam
4g Saint Des Saints – Ladeka
Edward Ware
12422-5
RPR 143h OR 142h
He ran a cracker at Cheltenham in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle when just touched off by Jeff Kidder, who then went on to frank that form at Punchestown in Grade 1 company. He’s by Saint Des Saints and will probably want a longer trip in time. Even though he’s not the biggest – a bit like Saint Roi – he has terrific scope and we could be tempted to go novice chasing. However, he’s only four and I’m not sure I want to do that right away; maybe another season hurdling might suit best. I still have to think about what direction I’d like to go with him.
Sharjah
8g Doctor Dino – Saaryeh
Mrs S Ricci
62/132-2
RPR 168h OR 164h
He’s been a good servant and I’d imagine he’ll take the same sort of route he did last season in all those Grade 1 hurdles. He seems to love Leopardstown at Christmas and we’ll possibly have another tilt at the Champion Hurdle after he ran so well to finish second at Cheltenham and Punchestown last spring.
Shewearsitwell
6m Shirocco – Ware It Vic
Closutton Racing Club
111-
RPR 147h OR –
She’s back and in good form. A bit of a setback meant she didn’t run again last season after winning a Grade 3 at Tipperary. We’ll go down the Mares’ Hurdle route with her.
Sir Gerhard
6g Jeremy – Faanan Aldaar
Cheveley Park Stud
1/111-3
RPR 138b OR –
He was very good in winning the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and we’re all looking forward to seeing him over hurdles. He really gallops and might possibly want a longer trip, but we’ll see.
Stattler
6g Stowaway – Our Honey
R A Bartlett
2/3134-3
RPR 147h OR 142h
He has the look of a real chaser. I know his owner Ronnie Bartlett likes having good horses over fences and this fellow could maybe follow in the footsteps of Galvin [in the same ownership] by trying to win the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. He seems a strong stayer.
Statuaire
6m Muhtathir – Arret Station
M L Bloodstock Ltd
2/PP-11
RPR 128h OR –
She’s back and in good order. We’ll aim for another novice hurdle next. She’s had some soundness issues and isn’t the biggest mare, but she has a nice pedigree and if we can keep her sound she has every opportunity to improve.
Stones And Roses
7g Shantou – Compelled
P Reilly & C Reilly
1P0P/71-
RPR 133c OR 133c
A good, old-fashioned staying chaser. He won well in a handicap chase at Punchestown on his last start and likes cut in the ground. It would be fantastic if we get the opportunity to see [joint-owner and well-known Irish folk singer] Paddy Reilly serenade us with The Fields Of Athenry in the winner’s enclosure after a victory this season.
Stormy Ireland
7m Motivator – Like A Storm
FB Racing Club
22921-1
RPR 154h OR 150h
She’s back and in good form after winning her first Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival. We’ll look towards those Graded options with her and target the Mares’ Hurdle.
Stratum
8g Dansili – Lunar Phase
Tony Bloom
4P/70-71
RPR 145h OR 142h
He gave us and owner Tony Bloom a great day at Royal Ascot during the summer when winning the Queen Alexandra Stakes. Rather than head to Longchamp for his last start, we decided to let him contest what looked a good opportunity over hurdles at Thurles and it was nice that he took it. We’ll try to find more races like that for him. Otherwise, he’ll be heading into the staying hurdle division.
Take Tea
6m Flemensfirth – Saine D’Esprit
John P McManus
16-
RPR 116b OR –
She was very impressive when winning on her debut at Naas last December before disappointing a little at the Dublin Racing Festival. She’s come back from her summer break looking very strong. It seems as though she handles testing conditions and we’ll be looking towards mares’ novice hurdles.
Tax For Max
4g Maxios – Tomato Finish
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
26-22
RPR 127h OR 131h
He can be very keen in his races and we’re giving him a break now to be gelded. He’s a maiden over hurdles but has been able to build up experience. Possibly from Christmas on, he’ll aim for the top novice races.
The Big Getaway
7g Getaway – Saddlers Dawn
Mrs J Donnelly
1413/31-
RPR 157c OR –
He won a beginners’ chase nicely at Leopardstown at Christmas but didn’t run again after a setback. He seems in good order and if we can keep him sound jumping fences, he’s one who will pay his way.
Tornado Flyer
8g Flemensfirth – Mucho Macabi
TFP
5/22543-
RPR 166c OR 161c
His performances when second to Min in the John Durkan and third to Allaho in the Ryanair mean there is a big race in him. He can go in and out of form a little but I’m hoping that with age things can be a little easier for him.
Unexcepted
7g Anzillero – Eaton Lass
John P McManus
2P/16-8P
RPR 155c OR 148c
He’s a super jumper who seems to be able to handle the minimum trip. We’ll campaign him between two and two and a half miles. I don’t think he’s shown us his best yet – he’s got lots of promise.
Whatdeawant
5g Aizavoski – Hidden Reserve
Sean & Bernardine Mulryan
13-
RPR 114b OR –
This is a nice type to go hurdling for Sean and Bernardine Mulryan. It would be great if we could aim him towards the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, considering Sean’s company sponsors the race. He won his bumper nicely at Fairyhouse last season.
Two for the Tracker
Keskonrisk looks a nice prospect who can hopefully have a good season. I’ve always liked Gauloise and we’re looking forward to seeing how she gets on.
Expert view
Patrick Mullins compared Monkfish’s season-ending injury to getting kicked in the balls in the Big Jump Off supplement a few weeks ago. And, you know what? For every other trainer it would indeed be excruciating pain which probably wouldn’t ease off until last season’s best staying novice returned to the track. Patrick’s father is not any other trainer, though.
The pain of losing Monkfish for a year is eased somewhat by having a dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in the yard and Al Boum Photo is still, somehow, only nine. There is also the option of stepping Allaho up in trip if needs be.
You could argue his Ryanair flight was the smoothest landing of the lot at Cheltenham in March. He deserves another crack at three miles at some stage and the King George could be an ideal opportunity.
There is very much a score to settle in the Champion Chase with Chacun Pour Soi after what has happened for the last two seasons and Energumene is in that division too. Are you listening, Shishkin?
You could argue Mullins is weakest in the Champion Hurdle division but there is still Sharjah and, if Echoes In Rain continues to grow up and relax, she could be a player too.
Kilcruit and Sir Gerhard mean Mullins has probably the two most exciting novice hurdlers in the game and you could apply that sentence to chasers too with Appreciate It and Ferny Hollow. There is strength in depth everywhere you look. Even in the staying hurdle department, where Klassical Dream looked awesome at Punchestown.
If there is one horse slightly under the radar who could turn out to be special it might just be Dysart Dynamo and the 16-1 on offer for the Supreme is not the worst ante-post price you will see.
ou have to rewind back to the 2005-2006 season to find a campaign where Mullins’ strike-rate dipped below 20 per cent. He operated at 28 per cent in Ireland last season and boasted a level stakes profit of €6.54 for every €1 staked. That is an extraordinary stat when you consider he had 652 runners over the season. It was the third time since 2014 he had achieved such a feat.
If you are at all concerned that Mullins didn’t have a single runner over the two days at Down Royal and was once again not represented in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase, don’t be. The Morgiana meeting at Punchestown in mid-November is when the stalls open at Closutton.
He had 37 winners at that venue last season (€30.16 level stakes profit) and 27 at Leopardstown (€45.89 level stakes profit). It is the big days at the big tracks that have made Mullins who he is.
Take last season’s Dublin Racing Festival for instance. He was responsible for nine of the 15 winners and won six of the eight Grade 1s.