Mullins fights Gord almighty
RUBY WALSH believes Willie Mullins still has a fighting chance of catching Gordon Elliott in the race for the Irish trainers’ title.
Mullins trails Elliott by 521,000 going into the three-day Fairyhouse Easter Festival, which starts tomorrow.
Ruby told Paddy Power: “This time last year Gordon Elliott had a 350,000 lead over Willie in the trainers’ championship. It’s a bit bigger now, 521,626, probably not ideal, and obviously you’d love it to be the other way round for Willie’s sake.
“But there’s huge money on offer this weekend and, as we saw at Punchestown last year, there’s massive money there as well.
“It’s funny how it will all come down to eight days of racing at the end of the year – three at Fairyhouse and five at Punchestown – but that’s what will happen.
“Gordon and Willie could barely be separated at Cheltenham and they haven’t let things lie. Gordon’s horses, in particular, are in exceptional order – I think he had 16 winners last week. by JASON HEAVEY At this time of year it’s amazing that he’s still pumping out those numbers.
“He’s a deserving favourite for the trainers’ championship but Willie came back from quite a long way behind to win it last time out. It’s not over yet.”
Walsh thinks that LAURINA (2.50) will boost Mullins’ coffers by winning the Irish Stallion Farms Mares Novice Hurdle Final on tomorrow’s card at Fairyhouse.
He said: “Laurina has had a relatively late campaign.
“She hasn’t exactly been extended with just three runs, each of which she got through with ease. She won at Tramore, won at Fairyhouse and also won at Cheltenham.
“Willie has had a onetwo-three in this race [he runs five this time]. It’s a Grade One, so it’s ideal for these fillies at this time of year.
“Laurina has shown she’s head and shoulders above the rest of the novice mares. It’s hard to see where the rest of the field can find the form to beat her. She looks too far ahead of them.”