Wonder Willie just keeps on notching up incredible feats
THE 2024 Punchestown Festival kicks off just days after Willie Mullins achieved something incredibly special in being crowned champion trainer in the UK.
It’s an outstanding achievement by Willie and his whole team, something I never thought would be done. What he has achieved this season has just been remarkable.
I was lucky enough to ride a few winners for him and nothing would surprise me with Willie Mullins, he is just a genius if you look at what he has won to achieve it.
He has clinched the Champion Hurdle, the Gold Cup, the English National, the Scottish National and the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
He has won all the big end of season races in the UK and that’s what you have to do to be champion trainer. There’s no doubt he’ll try and do it again next year.
Now it’s the turn of Jack Kennedy (below) and Paul Townend to battle it out to be crowned champion jockey – Jack currently leads by seven but Paul obviously has an unbelievable book of rides for Willie this week.
He had 11 winners at this meeting last year but I think, if Jack can ride three or more winners this week, he will be champion.
Casey West would be my pick for the first race today at 2.30 for Philip Rothwell, who has had a fantastic season.
And in the second at 3.05 I fancy Jack to get an early winner on the board with Dancing Jeremy for James Fahey. That was a good second behind Hgranca De Thaix at Limerick last time out over fences. He’s back over hurdles, having last been seen in this sphere when second to Catch The Beast over course and distance on New Year’s Eve. He’s ever consistent and has a big chance here.
The first Grade 1 of the week is the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle at 3.40 and I’ll stick with Slade Steel after his Supreme win.
There’s plenty of rain forecast and I think he beat Mystical Power fair and square at Cheltenham. The first four home in the Supreme renew rivalry so it’s basically a second running of the Cheltenham opener and Slade Steel will take all the beating.
Daddy Long Legs heads the betting for the Killashee Hotel Handicap
Hurdle at 4.15 after winning easily at Ludlow last week and
he could be very well in here. He is probably the one they have to beat.
But I would give an each-way chance to Jasko Des Dames while I’ll side with Garahon for Emmet Mullins in the Goffs Defender Bumper at 4.50.
There’s no El Fabiolo or Jonbon in the William Hill Champion Chase at 5.25 but it’s still very competitive.
Captain Guinness has been in great form this season apart from that one blip at Christmas but Dinoblue will be a big threat here getting the seven pounds mares allowance.
Spillane’s Tower was a good winner at Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival but Monty’s Star looks rock solid in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase at 6pm.
And Unknown Entity would be my pick in the last race of the day for Patrick and Willie Mullins.