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.
Denne historien er fra March 07, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra March 07, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
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Schooling success
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How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
