Ruby Walsh: To say I've played a small part in Mullins' sporting brilliance is a privilege
ALL ENCOMPASSING: Trainer Willie Mullins reacts after securing his 100th Cheltenham Festival victory. Pic: David Davies, The Jockey Club, PA Wire.
We’re now at halfway in the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, and what Willie Mullins achieved over the first two days, in bringing his Festival tally to 100, is quite remarkable.
And he has done it by being CEO, manager, coach, everything all at once.
All he has achieved, he has done on his own land, his own premises, and I don’t believe there is another manager achieving what he is.
With Jackie as CFO and Patrick as MD, he has built an incredible family business and I’m delighted to have been a small part of his success. Even to be able to say that is a privilege.
I was in school when Tourist Attraction won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 1995 but I’ve been here for the other 99. It’s an incredible number for him to reach. People say it is domination. It’s not. It is sporting brilliance.
Hopefully, there will be plenty more to come, and the next could come in Thursday’s opener, which is a competitive renewal of the Turner's Novice Chase.
On paper, the British runners look to have the edge. I have long since realised that it is not that simple, but Ginny's Destiny and Grey Dawning look smart types, and plenty in the Cotswolds will be hoping for local glory.
Willie Mullins has never hidden his belief in Facile Vega's ability, but Facile has let him down a few times, and WP is rolling the dice here with the change in trip.
If he's anything like his mother, the magical Quevega, then stamina should be his forte, so it might be risky to desert him now if you have followed him for the season. It is his last chance from this quarter.
The only Festival race which horses need to qualify for, the Pertemps Final, is next up and it is heart ruling the head here for me.
My eyes will be focused on Gaoth Chuil, whom my father trains, and I think she has a great each-way chance.
Her running style of coming from off the pace should be suited to the New Course at Cheltenham, and her stamina should kick in heading for the last hurdle. I think she will run into the money, but I really hope she keeps going best to win the lion's share.
The first of this afternoon's feature contests is next up, and the 2024 running of the Ryanair Chase looks wide open. Outside of Millers Bank, it won't shock me which of the other runners collects the prize.
Last year's winner, Envoi Allen, is as good a place to start as any, and when you watch him back last year, he really did win with authority. He has solid claims, but the slow ground cast a shadow over him and Banbridge, who both seem to favour a sounder surface.
Capodanno will handle it, but I am not sure he will cope with the drop-in trip. Protektorat has to come into consideration, as does Ahoy Senor, but horses for courses and all that means I am likely to stick with Envoi Allen.
Teahupoo has been the warm favourite for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle for a long time, and many feel he was unlucky last year. I am not sure, but his trainer, Gordon Elliott, has campaigned him differently this season and believes he is a better horse when kept fresh.
With all that said, I can't get away from Noble Yeats, who I think is cracking value at an each-way price here. He stays forever, and I can't see him finishing out of the first three.
Crebilly is all the rage for the Plate and all the handicap lovers have picked this fellow out but anything under 4/1 is not value for me in a race as deep as this. Saint Felicien, Riaan, Glengouly, In Excelsis Deo and Arctic Bresil, are just a few with chances, so pick value here and keep the stakes small.
The Ryanair Mares’ Novice looks like a match, and even with my feet firmly in the Closutton camp, one has to pay attention when Gordon Elliott starts talking a horse up. He has never hidden his respect for Brighterdaysahead's ability, nor is he one to crow about his horses. He is too bullish here to be ignored, and while I like Jade De Grugy, I am not sure she will be the next Annie Power.
With the handicap crew, Inothewayurthinkin is even more popular than Crebilly, and some of his runs have been eye-catching.
His pedigree from his dam's side suggests he will cope with this extended distance, but non-stayers don't win over three miles and two furlongs on the new course.
He has never proven his stamina, and his sire's stock looks best from two miles and four furlongs down. I would prefer two bigger-priced ones to take him on, and Where It All Began and Amirite appeal to me.
