PATRICK MULLINS has fired an early Cheltenham Festival warning – saying ‘anything is possible in Willie Mullins Land’.
Top amateur jockey Patrick was speaking to the Racing Post about what his legendary old man had up his sleeve for a fortnight’s time.
Patrick said dad Willie will likely make a last-minute decision on one of their most important runners
Willie will be travelling over with a crack squad of Festival fancies and looking to retain his top trainer crown.
But the Closutton supremo plays a notoriously tricky game with punters in the build up to the Festival.
One tactic he is famed for employing is a last-minute switch, changing a horse’s season-long intended target seemingly at the drop of a hat.
No doubt, in reality, the decision has been a long time coming, and history shows Willie almost always gets it right.
Patrick says the same could happen this year, especially after Willie’s recent words regarding Galopin Des Champs’ target.
Probed on just where the chaser will end up – Brown Advisory or Turners’ Novices’ Chase – Patrick said the decision will likely be made right at the death.
He said: “He’ll end up wherever Willie wants him to be come 9.59 declaration morning I suppose!”
Patrick answered similarly a question on where Concertista could run, replying: “She lives in Willie Mullins land, anything is possible.”
One area where he was a lot more certain, though, was the Mullins banker.
And, despite having the odds-on favourite in the Champion Bumper and Brown Advisory at the time of writing, it was the Ryanair Patrick plumped for.
He said: “Allaho is the nap. He’s the best horse in the race, has been in good form all season and is proven over course and distance.
“If I could ride one of ours all week, it would be him.”
