Cheltenham name race after Mullins matriarch
Festival tribute for top breeder Maureen, 94
THE mother of racing legend Willie Mullins will be honoured as her name is added to the National Hunt Chase on the first day of Cheltenham.
Maureen, who was the matriarch of the family, passed away on February 14 at the age of 94.
A star breeder in her own right, she married her husband Paddy, trainer of the great Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup-winning mare Dawn Run, in 1954.
The couple had five children, including trainers Tom, Tony and Willie.
Willie, 67, said: “Our family are delighted and honoured to have a race named after our mother Maureen, who had a great affinity for Cheltenham and enjoyed every moment there.”
Tony added: “Undoubtedly the correct race for a great stayer.”
The Jockey Club’s Ian Renton said: “The National Hunt Chase has a long tradition of commemorating some of jump racing’s most famous names and we are delighted that the Mullins family has agreed to have the historic contest run in honour of Maureen Mullins in 2024. A true stalwart of jump racing,
Maureen was a regular visitor to the Festival and her sad passing last month leaves a big void.
“We hope that putting her name to the National Hunt Chase celebrates her tremendous legacy in the appropriate way.”
The most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, Willie has 94 wins to his name heading into this year’s event. Maureen’s grandsons Danny, Emmet and Patrick have all ridden winners at Prestbury Park.
Patrick has taken first place in the National Hunt Chase four times for his father Willie, making him the contest’s leading jockey.