As the countdown to the much-anticipated Cheltenham Festival continues, one question looms large in the minds of racing enthusiasts — how many winners will top trainer Willie Mullins have throughout the week?
The legendary Irish handler has dominated National Hunt racing’s pinnacle event for over a decade now, boasting over 90 winners and landing the Leading Trainer award a record-breaking 10 times since 2011.
Mullins set a new best for the most winners in a single renewal of the Cheltenham Festival with 10 victories in 2022, and debates amongst pundits and punters alike often surround whether he can match or even better that tally.
To do that, the Closutton handler must make a good start on the opening day. Luckily for him, Mullins has several fantastic chances. So, without further ado, let’s explore those leading charges and try to predict how many winners he will have on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
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Champion Hurdle
Jumping right in at the Champion Hurdle, as it’s the feature race of the afternoon, there have been some significant developments ahead of the prestigious contest.
Constitution Hill, the defending champion and odds-on favourite in the Champion Hurdle 2024 betting, has been diagnosed with a lung infection and his participation now hangs in the balance.
If Nicky Henderson’s stable star can’t run or isn’t up to scratch, then the Champion Hurdle will surely go to State Man.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Mullins holds the record for the most victories in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with seven, but he hasn’t added to his tally since Appreciate It’s win in 2021.
That looks destined to change this year, as he dominates the market with Ballyburn, Tullyhill, and Mystical Power as the top three in the betting.
While all three of those horses might not line up for the Supreme, Mullins holds a strong hand and should prevail.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase
The Arkle was blown wide open when Marine Nationale flopped in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown in February.
The Barry Connell-trained horse still leads the market and will be well-backed with bettors’ Cheltenham sign up offers, but Marine Nationale certainly doesn’t look as certain as he did previously.
Il Etait Temps won that previously mentioned Irish Arkle and is the joint-second favourite for this contest. However, he is by no means a nailed-on winner.
Mares’ Hurdle
Mullins’ best chance of the day is Lossiemouth in the Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle, who is as short as 8/15 to win the two-mile, four-furlong contest.
The Rich Ricci-owned five-year-old boasts an impressive record of six wins in seven outings over the smaller obstacles, with her only appearance so far this season resulting in an almost 10-length win in the Grade 2 International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Lossiemouth should take all the beating in the Mares’ Hurdle.
National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase
Mullins also boasts the favourite in the National Hunt Chase, with Embassy Gardens 7/4 to win the Grade 2 for Amateur riders.
The eight-year-old is two for two since switching to fences this campaign, winning well at Punchestown and Naas, and looks like a banker for this race.
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Meetingofthewaters is the 8/1 fourth favourite in the Ultima Handicap Chase while Batman Girac is the 7/1 second favourite in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle.
It’s safe to say that Mullins should be expected to have three winners on Champion Day, but if Constitution Hill doesn’t run, then it could be four — which would be a fantastic start.
