Mullins dreaming of Gold Cup glory with Gaelic Warrior

Patrick Mullins has admitted he would love to add the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup to his burgeoning CV – so he can match fellow amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen.

The 36-year-old jockey achieved a lifetime’s ambition by landing the Randox Grand National with Nick Rockett last April. But at a media event to promote this year’s Cheltenham Festival, Mullins spoke of his hunger to continue winning at the highest level.

Asked if winning the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup would be more special than winning the Aintree showpiece, he referenced another amateur who managed to win both races, before retiring in 2022.

He said: “If I could choose one, the Grand National would be the one and always was because of the history – but Sam Waley-Cohen won both so let’s try to match him!” Mullins could find himself on board Gaelic Warrior for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday 13th March, after the eight-year-old gelding finished second to Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup at this month’s Dublin Racing Festival.

That run followed a third in Boxing Day’s thrilling Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park and a run of three victories on the bounce, which started in the Bowl at Aintree on April 3rd last year.

Analysing his potential Gold Cup mount, Mullins said: “When you look at Kempton and Aintree, where he obviously ran very well both times, and then the Cheltenham Gold Cup course where all of them have the constant inside running rail so everyone races very tight and that’s how you can get him to settle. Whereas at Leopardstown - no inch of running rail, horses spread out all over the course, he gets a bit lit up.

“I don’t think that was the difference between winning and losing the other day but I think his form outside of Leopardstown is considerably better than his form at Leopardstown, so I think he could turn it around. But I think the track layout and the way the race will pan out where you can park him in a pocket with no daylight and get him to settle, I think will show him in a better light.” 

Asked whether he thinks Gaelic Warrior can handle Cheltenham, given the significant difference between the Home of Jump Racing and the flatter Aintree and Kempton Park track, Mullins continued: “I do. I don’t think it’s a major thing.

“He obviously won the Arkle, but I do think the softer ground the better for him. I do think he’s probably better on softer ground, but I wouldn’t have any worries about the undulations, no.” Mullins was also asked if he had any concerns about his ability to stay the three miles two and a half furlongs, he added: “You don’t know until you try but I thought at Leopardstown after running a little keen he picked up from the second last to the finish line all the way. He pulled eight and a half, nine lengths clear of Galopin Des Champs so I don’t see why not.” 

Asked about two-time Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs’ own chances of regaining his crown, Mullins admitted that his preparation could have been better this season and that cheekpieces could even be an option next month.

He explained: “Maybe starting in the Savills, it was a very hard race. He was in the firing line for the last half a mile and I think he might have been a little bit flat at the DRF because of that. We think he’s better than where he landed the other day.” 

“It (putting cheekpieces on) is definitely in consideration. With Willie anything is possible. Faugheen wore them in the Champion Hurdle. I imagine it’ll be in the mix.” 

Excitement is mounting as the big day gets closer.