Several of Willie Mullins’ superstars were out on the Cheltenham gallops on Sunday morning as the Closutton army make their final preparations for the Cheltenham Festival.
Mullins is the most successful trainer at the festival, saddling a record 113 winners. The inaugural winner came with Tourist Attraction in 1995, the first of eight Supreme Novice Hurdles for the yard. Despite the omission of some big stars this year, such as State Man and Galopin Des Champs, the Mullins team is still very much a force to be reckoned with.
Speaking to the Press Association, via the Racing Post, Mullins’ wife Jackie said “they all have their different foibles!” in reaction to a lit up Majborough. “It’s probably a good sign. He’s saying, let me at them!” continued Jackie.
Majborough was a half-a-length third in last year’s Arkle after two bad late errors. Jumping frailties have continued to be his achilles heel, but he looked a different proposition in cheek-pieces last time out.
“I suppose the pressure is on him because of his performance at Leopardstown” said his morning work rider Aimee Morrissey.
“If he can do something like he did then…you’d hope he can redeem himself after what happened last year. He did all the hard work that day but then forgot about the two most important jumps at the end of the race.”
Kopek “right where we want him to be” – Elliot Ohgren
Leading Arkle hope Kopek Des Bordes was also among the Mullins contingent on the gallops. Last years Supreme winner was electric on his chase debut, but hasn’t been seen since. Only two horses have won the Arkle off just one run, but connections appear confident in his chances.
“I was there for his two schooling races, so I know what he can do,” said work rider Elliot Ohgren. “He jumped like a real two-miler and attacked his fences. He’s a simple character who has only one mentality – he has a lot of speed and he wants to go. Those schooling races were proper races and Willie put proper Grade 1 horses in them. He wanted to see what he could do and in both those races he bolted up.
“We have him right where we want him to be and I think he’ll win. I’m 100 per cent confident. I’m not coming here not to win, the same as Willie.”
Lossiemouth “good enough” to go for Champion Hurdle
The decision was finally made regarding Lossiemouth’s Cheltenham participation as she somewhat belatedly lines up in the Champion Hurdle. The Great Pretender mare has won the last two renewals of the Mares Hurdle.
“I don’t know why but our horses always seem to come to their best over here,” said rider Niamh Roche. “I’m pleased she’s going for the Champion Hurdle. This definitely looks the year to go for it because it’s so wide open. She’s good enough to go for it, so why not? I think she’s good enough to win.”
Many more of the Closutton army were taking in the Cheltenham air, as the Irish yard looks set to raid the festival once more.