ON a crystal-clear February morning, Closutton gallops are alive with dozens of horses working under the watchful eye of training maestro Willie Mullins. The countdown to the Cheltenham Festival is on and the finetuning has commenced for a star-studded cast that includes defending Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs, Champion Hurdle contender State Man and all-conquering, two-mile chaser El Fabiolo.
The Co Carlow handler has been hailed a genius, reigning as Ireland's champion trainer for the past 17 years, winning all of the sport's major prizes and smashing the record books during his ascent. Willie looks set to cement his place in legend yet further if the most successful trainer in Festival history can build on his record 94 winners and smash the 100 barrier.
"We have some fantastic horses going over, from stars like Galopin through to the bumpers and we're strong in most divisions," he says. "I'm just trying to get the team there in good order and hopefully a few will rise to the top."
The sheer scale of this operation becomes apparent as soon as we drive through the iron gates. The roster of morning duties is in full swing around an expansive maze of barns - home to more than 150 horses - walkers, horseboxes and tack and feed rooms.
I'm immediately drawn to a near-black face watching proceedings over his stable door in the main yard - Galopin Des Champs oozes A-list status and Adam Connolly, who has the enviable role of looking after the country's highest rated horse, is tacking up, ready to join the 20 other stable stars now circling.
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