Mullins to land first blow
WILLIE MULLINS might be on the back foot in his attempt to continue his 10-year reign as Ireland’s champion jump trainer but he can dominate today’s Champion Chase at Punchestown.
As the betting suggests, Douvan can lead the way home for Mullins with his stable companions, Min and Un De Sceaux, taking the minor honours.
Mullins, attempting to become champion trainer for the 12th time, is currently €521,143 adrift of Gordon Elliott, who is seeking a first trainers’ title.
Bookmakers believe Elliott, 8-11, can become the new king with Mullins trading at 5-4.
But never underestimate Mullins. He clawed his way back at last year’s Punchestown meeting when ending Elliott’s dream of becoming top dog.
Elliott, 40, has taken all before him this season, winning both the English and Irish Grand National and becoming the first Irish trainer to send out 200 winners in a season.
“I was heartbroken not taking the title last year,” said Elliott. “We’ve had an unbelievable year.
“And to win both Grand Nationals was incredible. But if I could swap every single one of those to be champion trainer I would.”
Mullins, 61, regarded as Irish royalty, was born to be a champion. His father Paddy made history after he trained Dawn Run to become the first and only horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup. But Elliott, the son of a panel beater, has used his wits and hard graft to climb the slippery ladder to success in the unforgiving world of training racehorses.
His achievements can be attributed to the two years he spent working for Martin Pipe, the 15-times champion trainer who revolutionised the art of preparing racehorse.
“Gordon gets the best out of every horse,” said Pipe. “And he wins with all types of horses.
“I’m very proud of him. He’s got great gallops and good staff. You’ve got to have good staff and he’s got some good jockeys riding for him.”
Mullins might take the opening exchanges at today’s Punchestown five-day meeting, which concludes on Saturday, but Elliott has an ace in the pack in Samcro. The talented novice has the option of stepping up in grade for Friday’s Punchestown Champion Hurdle rather than one of the lesser events.
Michael O’Leary, the owner of the unbeaten Samcro, is giving Elliott all the support he can.
This is not surprising as Elliott trained Tiger Roll to win this year’s Grand National for the Ryanair boss.
Also, there is an ironic twist in this season’s battle for championship honours.
Two years ago, O’Leary fell out with Mullins over increased training fees and removed 60 horses from his yard, the majority went to Elliott.
Had that not happened, Samcro might be punching for Mullins rather than the heir to throne.