Mullins’ placing of novice chasers this campaign will be fascinating
The gig, for the want of a better word, was organised by Horse Racing Ireland and, you’d have to say, was a roaring success.
The key to these gatherings is to give the scribblers something which more than grabs their attention and, in the hottest property in National Hunt racing in Ireland right now, Mullins, you simply couldn’t fail.
He was more than prepared for the invaders and, with 37 horses and work-riders all ready to strut their stuff, it was a smashing couple of hours.
Mullins said that “potentially” he has his strongest ever team assembled for the coming campaign and everything we saw on Monday indicated such was very much the case.
He told us that, when starting training, he began with just six boxes and now has 100.
They are filled by the likes of Hurricane Fly, Cooldine, Mikael d’Haguenet, Cousin Vinny and Quevega, but their is also a staggering array of talent to go with those potential superstars.
His placing, for instance, of the novice chasers is going to be fascinating. Among those who are heading for fences are Mikael d’Haguenet, Cousin Vinny, Apt Approach, Citizen Vic, Kempes and Sports Line.
There will be others as well, of course, and how he attempts to keep them apart will be more than interesting.
There will also be buckets of novice hurdlers to slot in, the likes of Quel Esprit, Cadspeed, Enterprise Park, Fionnegas, Quadrillon, Rhyl Accord and Sicilian Secret.
Mullins will certainly be launching a concerted onslaught on all sorts of prizes in about two weeks time and there’s no doubt punters are only waiting for the green light to join in the “bonanza.”
HRI produced a booklet to coincide with the visit and it was a smart idea, giving us little nuggets which may not be generally known.
For instance, Mullins was asked for his best moment in racing? Response: “Patrick (his son) riding Cousin Vinny to win the Cheltenham Bumper in 2008.”
Best moment outside of racing? “When I went off the top slide in Disneyland with Patrick as a kid and found that my shorts were still on me when we got to the bottom.”
Favourite horses he has trained? “Florida Pearl and Hedgehunter, two who always gave their all.”
Favourite horse he hasn’t trained? “Sea The Stars.”
Favourite activity outside of racing? “Checking to see how much I’m losing on the stock market.
“I probably buy shares like most people back horses, just for fun. That’s my little hobby.”
What would your specialist subject be on Mastermind? “How to win a bumper.”
Achievements of which you are most proud? “How Patrick has turned out as a rider, his race-reading ability.
“I like bringing on nice jockeys, helping them to gain confidence in their ability and I love seeing a guy maturing from a 7lbs claimer into a person who isn’t afraid to ride his own race, to have his own view of things.!
Person you admire most? “In racing, I admire John Oxx and his approach to training a good horse.
“Outside of racing, I admire Alex Ferguson and like the Manchester United ethic. Year after year, he keeps pulling it out.
“He gets fair abuse from the press and, as he gets older, it is probably harder to train his team.
“I think the focus of modern journalism is on youth, but I have found in racing, both in training and riding, experience is a huge thing and he has that.
“He has to put up with the temperament of these top soccer players and it would probably be a lot easier to train a squad of three-year-old colts! From a management point of view, he is a guy I admire.”
And the clincher, as far as punters are concerned: What gets you excited? “Having a nice team of young horses, like now.
“I don’t know if I will ever have such a team together again. We just have this quality and quantity, exciting times.”
