Mullins to dominate at Punchestown Festival

WILLIE Mullins may have fallen short in his bid to steal the UK trainers’ title from Paul Nicholls but he is poised to become the King of Punchestown again this week. At last year’s Festival, the trainer won an amazing 16 of the 37 races and he looks set to be well represented at this …[Read More]

Faugheen exit opens path for Annie Power

by CLAIRE SIBLOT THE market for the Champion Hurdle was shaken up recently when Willie Mullins announced that his star hurdler Faugheen will not defend his crown in the premier 2m hurdle race of the season at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Mullins announced that Faugheen had suffered a suspensory ligament injury, which rules him …[Read More]

Cheltenham Festival record in Mullins’ sights

by JAMES HARRISON The record for number of winners in a single Cheltenham Festival must be under threat this year as Willie Mullins assembles a team bulging with talent to send across the Irish Sea. Everywhere you look, Mullins has ante-post favourites for the Festival and it would be no surprise if the record of …[Read More]

Is Champagne Fever the new Dessie?

CHRISTMAS during my late teens involved lots of eating, drinking… and feverish speculation about the King George VI Chase. It has always been one of the highlights of my festive fare and watching Desert Orchid dismantle the opposition in the 1980s became a much-loved part of the yuletide routine. Greys and the King George have …[Read More]

57 stand ground in 2013 Grand National

FORMER Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander (11st 10lb) heads the weights for this year’s John Smith’s Grand National on April 6 after 57 horses stood their ground following today’s scratchings deadline. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ horse  missed the chance to regain his crown at the Cheltenham Festival after a lung infection. But the 12-year-old could bid …[Read More]