Willie Mullins reflects on a highly successful festive period before looking ahead to his Sunday runners at Fairyhouse.
We had a fantastic Christmas with plenty of winners, the highlights being the six Grade Ones won by Franco De Port, Colreevy, Chacun Pour Soi, Appreciate It, Sharjah and Monkfish.
Sharjah seems to be a bit of an underrated horse but he keeps on doing it on the track.
This was his fourth Grade One since he won the Galway Hurdle under top weight and it was fantastic to see him win the Matheson Hurdle for the third year running.
He’s obviously got a lot of talent and we’ll aim him for the Irish Champion Hurdle now given he loves going around Leopardstown.
Monkfish was very good in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase, he looks a natural, an old-fashioned type of chaser. I was impressed in how he outfought Latest Exhibition with so little jumping experience under his belt.
We’ll also look at the Dublin Racing Festival with him now, too, to get him more chasing experience.
Thanks must go to all my crew at home, including my wife Jackie, son Patrick, David Casey, Ruby Walsh, my head man Dick Dowling and all the rest of the team at Closutton.
We wish Sporting Life readers a happy and prosperous new year.
Al Boum back with a bang at Tramore
Click for Willie Mullins' reaction to Al Boum Photo's return win
Fairyhouse Sunday Runners
RUNRIZED – 12.40
He was a bit keen coming off the Flat and needs to learn how to race rather than being too free. Let’s hope he’s learned from his previous three runs over hurdles.
HOOK UP – 1.10
She was very impressive at this track just over a month ago, however, she has to take on better horses now including Delvino, who won well at Naas last month, so this is a step up for her. It’s a slight step up in trip, as well, an extra two furlongs, which might be a stretch considering her forceful style of racing. But she jumps very well and I’m hopeful in what looks a tough race for the grade.
CABARET QUEEN, SALSARETTA – 2.50
Cabaret Queen is best in at the weights of my two here. It’s probably a little short of her best trip, but the prevailing heavy conditions will make it a tough test of stamina, which will suit her.
Salsaretta is a mare that’s improving and even though she’s not well treated at the weights, she’s open to more progression and could well outrun her rating. It was an uncharacteristic first fence fall last time.
ANTEY – 3.20
Danny Mullins renews his acquaintance with Antey, who was going very well when making a novicey mistake and falling at Gowran. If he can get around on him he has a chance of finishing in the money.
WHATDEAWANT – 3.50
It’s a nice to have a runner for Sean & Bernardine Mulryan, who have had a few winners over Christmas and have been lucky owners for us in the past. This is a nicely-bred horse, he’s good looking, and I’m hoping he can continue the good run of form of our bumper runners. It looks a strong bumper, though, with the highly-touted and expensively-bought Ginto in opposition.
