Danny Mullins hails from a racing dynasty, but two all-family victories could be on the cards at Cheltenham in March.
Danny is the nephew of champion trainer Willie Mullins, but his mother and father are involved in the sport too. Earlier this season, he partnered Blaze The Way at Cheltenham’s December meeting, the horse being trained by mum Margaret.
That victory came in a Grade 3 handicap, akin to those run at the Festival. Though each of he, Margaret, and dad Tony, have all enjoyed winners at the Cheltenham Festival, none of have been achieved with each other as yet.
Blaze The Way will not be the only opportunity for that to occur either. Letos, trained by Tony, is also likely to be aimed at the big meeting.
“To combine on one would be special” – Danny Mullins
Both his mother and father beat Danny to a Cheltenham winner. Tony sent out Pedrobob for glory in the 2007 County Hurdle. Eight years on, Margaret trained Martello Tower to win the 2015 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. Danny rode the half-length runner-up in that contest.
Danny broke his duck in the 2021 Stayers’ Hurdle aboard Flooring Porter, who duly doubled up in 2022. A third Cheltenham success then came courtesy of Jimmy Du Seuil last season. However, nothing would compare to a win for his parents.
“Individually, we’ve all had our winners over there but to combine on one would be something special,” Mullins told the Racing Post. “I’m normally riding plenty for Willie, but to have a few for my mother and father as well would be fantastic.”
The good news is there will be two chances for an all-family victory. Danny reported both Blaze The Way and Letos to be on course for Cheltenham.
“Cheltenham is the plan for Blaze The Way. He’ll be entered in the three handicap chases on day one. Letos was very good at Naas earlier in the season and backed it up nicely at Carlisle to qualify for the Pertemps. He didn’t show up at all in the Grade 1 at Naas last time but I think you can draw a line through it.
“Tony seems very happy with him since and he has enough time to recover. He’s back in full work and getting ready for Cheltenham.”
With their chances spread throughout the week, this will be an enjoyable sub-plot to keep in touch with at Cheltenham.