Willie Mullins preping strong team for Punchestown

Willie Mullins is looking forward to launching another strong assault on next week’s Punchestown Festival after entries for the first three days of the showpiece meeting were confirmed.

The master of Closutton’s immediate thoughts might be focussed on his attempt to be crowned British champion trainer for the first time at Sandown tomorrow, but he is also preparing a formidable team for the showpiece meeting of the year in Ireland.

Mullins won 16 of the 37 races at last year’s festival and is hopeful he can be leading trainer at the meeting for the 14th time in 16 years.