Can Willie Mullins Make It Three British Trainer Titles In A Row Next Season?

Well, what a two years for Irish jump racing trainer, Willie Mullins. That’s two British Jump Trainers’ Championship titles in a row, this time around, dramatically overtaking Dan Skelton on the final day.

Add to that a second consecutive Grand National win, with his own son – Patrick Mullins onboard 33/1 shot Nick Rockett (who I backed – making it a consecutive win for me), in addition to him getting a 1-2-3 in the race.

I even didn’t have a bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup (one of the only races I didn’t bet on at the festival) – I just thought it was a forgone conclusion – I couldn’t see past last year’s winner; Galopin Des Champs and the odds (plus my bank balance!), were too low to justify a bet.

All Eyes On Mullins Next Season

After pulling it out of the bag at Sandown Park, with victories from the talented Gaelic Warrior and Jump Allen to name a couple, Mullins overtook Skelton on prize winnings by almost £200,000 which meant his grand total was £3,570,990 in comparison to the £3,371,483 earned by Skelton.

And, Mullins’ stable is yet to really come into its own. While he was the only Irish trainer since Vincent O’Brien in the 1950s to win consecutive British Jump Racing Trainer’s titles, I definitely would not back against him making it what would be an unprecedented third.

One thing that Mullins has going for him, is the sheer volume of entries he has in every race (at least the big ones), proving the adage that life is a numbers’ game. On numerous occasions, he didn’t only get the winner, but also at least one place which increased his prize pot considerably.

Next season, everyone will be looking at who Mullins puts out and he certainly has the talent in his stable to deliver.

Which Horses Can Deliver For Mullins Next Season?

Even at this stage, I am very intrigued by the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup, to see if Galopin Des Champs can come back and shrug off his defeat this season. Mullins may also want to rethink his jockey selection. While his number one jockey Paul Townend invariably delivers, I thought he made quite a few mistakes this season which I think was one of the main reasons why Mullins was behind until the final day.

Next season, Mullins will have a great blend of established stars and likely newcomers. Fact To File is really coming into his own and I expect another few wins for him next term, while Lossiemouth also showed his class at Cheltenham, winning the Mares’ Hudle. I do wonder what race he will be entered into for next season’s edition.

Of course, Majborough is an impressive standout in the rising star category – the five-year-old has the potential to deliver big and, I’ll certainly be getting some early stakes on him – I could also say the same for Ballyburn.

In terms of newcomers, there are certainly a few to choose from. I’m intrigued by Leader Des Bordes – the half brother of Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes and I think he is one to watch. I’d throw in Manita as well – she got the silver on her debut in France and has drawn comparisons to Lossiemouth. So, yeah – don’t rule out Mullins. Finally – is a third successive Grand National win on the cards – more on that later in the year!