Willie Mullins column: Boxing Day runners

By Willie Mullins

Horse Racing

Tue December 26, 2023 · 11M ago

Our star columnist with an unmissable runner-by-runner guide to his star-studded Boxing Day team.

Leopardstown

14.55 Chavez

Chavez³³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: D E Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 132

10/3

He unfortunately missed his novice chase season after winning impressively at Fairyhouse and now has to go down the handicap route. We’ll find out a lot more about him in this race, he goes in with a lot less racing experience than the other runners. It will be a tough assignment for him.

15:30 Cantico

Cantico²⁸²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: -

5/4

A nice horse who was bought from Andy Slattery after winning a point-to-point. He’s a lovely big jumping type who does nice work at home and is by the same sire as Impaire Et Passe. He looks a really nice type at home and we’re expecting a big run.

Taking The Reins - Hollie Doyle - Episode Seven

Limerick

15:50 Magic McColgan

Magic McColgan

Age: 4| Weight: 11-11| J: Miss J Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: -

2/1

She’s bred to love this ground and is nice, a strong, bumper mare for the Kenny Alexander team. Hopefully Jody Townend can use her magic to get her close in the last and being a full sister to Tornado Flyer she’s going to be of interest.

Down Royal

13:23 Macdermott

Macdermott³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: P Slozil| T: W P Mullins| OR: -| D

17/2

He’s ridden by the Pardubice winning rider Pavel Slozil who has joined us for the season and it’s great to find an opportunity to use his vast experience over fences. The conditions of this race suit Macdermott well however it looks competitive enough for him. I’m hoping he’s able to get into the money as the testing conditions will suit him. If his jumping holds together he has an each-way chance.

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