WP Mullins

Grasshopper

Grasshopper

Senior Jockey
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Nov 14, 2006
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This thread has nothing to do with Hurricane Fly particularly, but has Willie Mullins made a slow start to the season?

He seemed to train every other winner in Ireland at this stage last season, but I'm still waiting on several of his novice hurdle and chase prospects appearing, and despite the occasional entry every now and then, there's no real sign of them. The entries for the graded novice races in particular, seem light in terms of Mullins' entries.

Maybe the stats don't back me up, and I'm imagining it, but I would have reckoned on seeing a lot more of his better prospects having made their debuts already.

Is this just the way he campaigns his horses - starting the better one later?
 
Not sure if it's planned but his better horses ie. Fiveforthree, Mikael D'Haguenet, Quevega etc. seem to be coming out a lot later in recent years (not Mikael last year but the other two at least and probably Cooldine this).

There are decent races at this time of year but I guess the logic (if it's intended) is that they can fit a big race in at Christmas and then all three of the Festivals rather than just Cheltenham and Punchestown.
 
I thought he took off around this time last year. The phony war is on in Irish racing in the better races at this stage. Hands will be shown next month.
 
I think you're right, Gearoid - I've just seen the Royal Bond and Drinmore entries, and he has a rake of them in there (particularly the novice hurdle).
 
To me that meeting lays down the first real marker for the season. The card last year was pure quakity.
 
Fair few of last year's bumper brigade have been out already in maiden hurdles - Quadrillon, Quel Esprit, Quadrillon, Morning Supreme, Sicilian Secret and Quinola Des Obeaux all out.

Both Fiveforthree and Mikael D'Haguenet suffered setbacks, did they not?
 
I was thinking more about Fionnegas, Rhyll Accord, Enterprise Park, Blackstairmountain and Sports Line, trackside.
 
Generally Mullins has made a slow start to every season - last year was a bit of a freak and he kept it going all through the season and again through the summer.

But his horses are still in great form, he had 4 winners the weekend (8 in the last 14 days), 2 seconds and 3 third.

I would say I think a few of his wide margin bumpers winners might disappoint this season - alot of their victorys came in weak enough looking bumpers and plenty of them look like out and out stayers.

Fionngas and Rhyl Accord were all declared to run in abandoned meetings as well.
 
Agree with you on the bumper horses Gal - think someone on here mentioned that all of Mullins bumper horses from last year were for sale over the Summer.
 
Fionnegas, Quadrillon, Quel Esprit and the incomparable Skorcher, winner of last season's bumper of the year at Navan, are all entered in the same novice hurdle at Thurles on Thursday.
 
Fionnegas is due to run in the 12.35 tomorrow at Clonmel. O'Grady runs an interesting horse in the same race.
 
Sports Line is entered in the novice chase on thursday. Corkskeagh Royale may have been a bit disappointing last year but it still was a good effort to give him such a thumping. Dundrum also was no mug. His form overall is progressing nicely and he looks a(nother) horse who could go right to the top. Worth a look anyway if the meeting is on and if he is declared.
 
Melendez said:
Sports Line is entered in the novice chase on thursday. Corkskeagh Royale may have been a bit disappointing last year but it still was a good effort to give him such a thumping. Dundrum also was no mug. His form overall is progressing nicely and he looks a(nother) horse who could go right to the top. Worth a look anyway if the meeting is on and if he is declared.
Click to expand...

A very high class prospect and the intention was to run tomorrow last I heard.
 
Grasshopper said:
Good stuff. Any targets mentioned, Gal - I figured him one for the Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial.
Click to expand...

Successful trainer, Willie Mullins said: "This looked a nice opportunity on paper. He is not back in that long and it is nice to see that he retains his ability from earlier this season. He is more at home at this longer trip - he is a staying novice really. The Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle at Navan is an option for him - if I have him entered there."

They have Quel Esprit for the Navan race though - might they try and find something in the UK?
 
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