Mullins eyes place money

Ireland’s champion trainer Willie Mullins has never won the Gold Cup, and this time relies upon Quel Esprit, a good winner of the Irish Hennessy on his last start.

Mullins said: “If my lad keeps improving it would be great to get in the place money and you never know what happens on the day.”

Mouse Morris, victorious in the 2006 Gold Cup with War Of Attrition, saddles China Rock, who was in the process of running a big race 12 months ago before suffering an injury.

“He’s ready to run and there’s some good place money to pick up,” said Morris. “If he can finish fourth, fifth or sixth, I’ll be happy.”