“At my kitchen table, Willie Mullins quietly reassures me, “We also consider this issue, because the healthy sustainability of the sport is crucial. The sport requires continual attraction of new participants.” As we speak, the illustrious Irish horse trainer is on the cusp of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival where his likely dominance is poised to ignite further debates about its impact on the sport he is so passionate about.
After sitting with Mullins for an intriguing two-hour chat in Co Carlow, I admit that while his racing stable’s unrivalled brilliance does not imply it should bear the fallout for the consequences of the sport, its high-profile spot is inescapable. It is similar to asking Pep Guardiola, in his kitchen, if his potential fourth consecutive Premier League win with Manchester City worries him about the state of English football. Mullins’ excellence outstrips even that of Manchester City, however he jests, given that Guardiola’s upscale Manchester apartment most likely doesn’t house a clamorous cockerel named Jeff.
Jeff, the eldest cockerel in Mullins’s yard, now resides in the house after losing a power tussle with his fellow cockerels. A young rottweiler, blissfully unaware of Jeff’s afternoon crows, shares his sleeping quarters. The crowing brings forth a poignant echo into our conversation about Mullins’ esteemed stable, which Mullins and I find quite amusing. However, the 67-year-old dismisses my query regarding whether his team reflects on the implications, in particular regarding odds that predict Mullins to have around 13 favourites in nearly half of the Cheltenham races.
“No, not collectively with the team, but it is a discussion I engage in. The people I converse with may be somewhat biased towards me, yet we do recognise that our numerous wins could stir up discontent. We are also aware that we weren’t propelled into this position by large-scale owners. We have toiled for over 35 years to get here.”
The passing of his mother, Maureen, last month has Mullins in a contemplative mood. We will revisit the issue of his superior horses and the subsequent controversies, but Mullins conveys his own astonishment at his achievements.”To have a steeplechase trainer with a roster of 200 horses, not to mention their quality, was beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. When I tour the yard and behold our formidable force, it still takes my breath away. It never ceases to stun us.”
Mullins finds himself on edge as the Cheltenham event approaches. He questions if they will achieve another victory or if they might face a crushing defeat this year. Although they secured six victories the previous year, they fell short of the century because many expected them to make a dozen wins. The burden of expectancy weighs heavy on them despite their victories in the Gold Cup and Champion Chase.
As the first day of this year’s Festival draws closer, five favourites and a second favourite for the other two matches are anticipated from Mullins. He reflects on past years where they failed to win on the inaugural day, creating immense pressure. It’s akin to high-stakes football – despite having a strong team, the risk of elimination haunts if they don’t secure a win.
Within the Cheltenham Festival, no other trainer has clocked up as many victories as Mullins, whose record currently stands at 94. He modestly claims that his next goal is to make it to the 95th, similar to his attitude at the Dublin Festival where he lost count of their wins. At the Dublin Racing Festival last month, Mullins astonishingly bagged nine out of fifteen races, including all eight Grade One races, far exceeding his humble expectations of one to three victories.
He fondly remembers his mother, who passed away aged 94, betting on her grandson Charlie the day before her death. Despite her frailty preventing her from going to Leopardstown, she was delighted when Charlie, riding Mullins’ horse Coco Masterpiece, won at Thurles. He tells of her critical role in his father Paddy’s success, a renowned trainer known for his accomplishments with Dawn Run amongst other notable steeds, recounting how her resilience and cunning assisted the family during challenging times.
Mullins was deeply touched by the outpouring of tributes following her passing.
Reflecting on his past, Mullins shares that his mother’s tenacious character was what led them to risk everything and journey to America. Mullins’ mother schemed to make healthy earnings through their mare’s performance in Kentucky. She faced a hitch when their prospective American owner expressed disinterest in mares, leading Mullins’ father to criticise his wife’s adventurous decision. Mullins, however, acknowledges his mother as the primary force navigating the family through these challenging times.
When Grabel, their mare, was unexpectedly trapped in quarantine, all seemed lost. Yet, against the odds, Grabel was triumphant in a million-dollar race. These testing times influenced Mullins greatly, and his mother’s adept handling of situations shaped his character. Mullins’ tactful and warm demeanor have helped him efficiently manage the demanding and wealthy owners.
Mullins’ determination and passion came to the forefront as he reminisced about the cherished horses he rode for his father’s company. These were subsequently sold to more affluent stables in England, ensuring their family business’s survival. These instances taught Jackie, Mullins’s wife, and him to stand firm. One such decisive moment came when they decided to retain Wither Or Which, who later won a derby at Leopardstown in December 1995.
Mullins recollects the conversation with his wife, arguing that if they auctioned off Wither Or Which, their fate as mere sellers would be sealed. Mullins believed steadfastly in the potential of this horse. Wither Or Which brought home the victory at the Cheltenham Festival three months later, bringing Mullins significant recognition. His first triumph happened in the previous year with Tourist Attraction at the 1995 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which filled him with extraordinary delight.
While reminiscing on the euphoria of his initial victories, Mullins confesses that now, he feels a sense of “relief” when his horses cross the finish line first. But his joy was unmistakable when he remembered their surprise win at the Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs, which filled both their Irish team and the owners, Greg and Audrey Turley, with immense exhilaration.
Galopin Des Champs, trained by Mullins, is the favourite to win the notable race this coming Friday. A win would secure Mullins’ fourth Gold Cup. Greg and Audrey recently visited, expressing their rising anticipation. However, even if the horse doesn’t win, they already have a trophy at home.
One horse that stood a strong chance against Mullins, Constitution Hill, will not be participating due to a minor illness. The venerable trainer’s horse, State Man, now leads the betting for the Champion Hurdle. Mullins refers back to the time when his father’s horse, Dawn Run, was up for the Champion Hurdle, and the favourite, Gaye Brief, had to withdraw. Journalists then asked his father for thoughts, to which he simply responded, ‘There, but for the grace of God, go I.’ Mullins fondly recalls that episode as a reminder to remain grounded, as Dawn Run ended up winning the Gold Cup.
A similar situation occurred in 2016, reminding him of his father, who passed away in 2010. A dispute over training fees with owner Michael O’Leary led to the extraction of 60 horses from Mullins’ stables, which was a stunning blow as it constituted a third of his arsenal. Mullins recalls the ordeal and having to consider what his father would have done. Losing a third of his business at once was a hard pill to swallow, but Mullins took it as an opportunity to shrink in size and assert independence.
He admits to having had many sleepless nights. Yet, he asserts that every business, whether a garage or a corner shop, endures the same. In the years following that incident, not only did Mullins rebuild his horse-training venture, but it also thrived, leading to O’Leary’s eventually returning. Mullins considers it incredible that they not only resurfaced but also rose to where they currently stand.
With a tally of eight top-grade victories at Leopardstown, attributed to seven different owners, Mullins has left his British competitors trailing behind. He believes they should be expanding their viewpoint, surprised that they aren’t participating more in French races considering the lucrative prizes and its accessibility. While some flat trainers venture there, most jump trainers remain more conventional.
While Mullins acknowledges that his constant production of odds-on favourites could negatively impact gambling rotation and, as a result, the betting tax, he also notes that many favourites fall short. A slogan of a certain bookmaker is ‘Thank God for Willie Mullins’, indicating it isn’t about winning all the time, but also the unexpected upsets. He recognises that they hold a distinct position which is still subject to change.
Inspired by other sports and remarkable coaches, Mullins can eloquently express his reverence for them. He’s an avid Manchester United fan, who has experienced the highs of the Ferguson era and the lows of recent years. He agrees with the cyclical perspective of sports but his reign appears unending.
Mullins shares his organisation’s ambition to excel. They don’t ignore shortcomings and immediately address them. They are continually seeking improvements and trying novel approaches. It’s a spirit that permeates the entire team, from the caregivers and riders, each of whom he admires for their enthusiastic buy-in.
Outside, he amuses me with anecdotal tales about the farmyard animals that accompany us. At an inconspicuous stable door, he spends the most time with Macdermott, who may not be the most renowned or fastest horse but is surely the most cordial. Despite finishing second in his last race, Mullins is nonplussed, vowing to find Macdermott a race he can triumph in next.
As Macdermott gently grabs his coat, Mullins interacts with the staff still at work. He gently suggests they wrap up for the day, reminding them it’s a half-day.
“We’re quite fond of it here as well,” a voice exclaims. There, far from the tumult and control of Cheltenham, everything comes together. Willie Mullins worked painstakingly for numerous years, bearing the brunt of challenging times and many a restless night. However, these unparalleled moments are unmistakably his, and he is not about to relinquish them anytime soon. – Guardian