Mullins ponders Harbour options
The eight-year-old holds an entry in the intercasino.co.uk Old Roan Chase at Aintree on Sunday, but he also has two engagements nearer home.
They are in the Vendee Hurdle at Thurles tomorrow and the Woodlands Park 100 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle at Naas on Saturday. His main objective before Christmas is the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on November 29.
“He’s only 50-50 to run at Aintree. He’s in races in Ireland this week as well, so we’ll see how the race looks and take it from there,” said the Co Kilkenny trainer.
Mullins was delighted with Chelsea Harbour’s reappearance at Naas last week when he was second to Sky Hall over hurdles.
“I’ve been surprised how well he’s come out the race,” he went on. If the opposition looks really strong at Aintree he might not go there and I’d probably be looking at a longer distance anyway.
“I’ll have to see the weights for Naas on Saturday and see whether he goes there or to Thurles. Then we’re hoping to have a go at the Hennessy in Newbury next month.”
Should Chelsea Harbour take up the Naas option then his stablemate Made In Taipan could be one of his rivals.
Mullins is also considering that race after being pleased with the six-year-old’s effort at Punchestown on Thursday when he was just beaten a length by Raise Your Heart.
“He might go at the weekend as well. He came out of that race really well,” the trainer added.
“If he doesn’t win or run well there we’ll send him chasing at Naas in a couple of weeks.”
