‘Extraordinary’ Willie Mullins horse backed for King George Chase as Irish trainer outlines plans for stable stars

AN ‘extraordinary’ Willie Mullins horse has been backed for the King George Chase – after the Irish trainer outlined his plans for his stable stars.

Closutton boss Mullins said Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior could be aimed at the big Kempton feature on Boxing Day.

And the Rich Ricci-owned superstar could be joined by JP McManus’ Gold Cup contender Fact To File.

Gaelic Warrior has been backed into 8-1 from 12s on the back of the admittedly tentative plans.

But speaking on a media day at his yard, Mullins said: “Last year we were trying to make Gaelic Warrior into a three-miler and I had no problem with him going three miles, but he ended up winning the Arkle Novices’ Chase on his first attempt over fences at two miles.

“He looks a natural to it but he could kick up to be a King George VI Chase horse as well.

“He had that sort of ability but we will have a chat with Rich Ricci first and see what direction he wants to go. He could do any trip – he is an extraordinary horse.”

It looks like two-time Gold Cup king Galopin Des Champs is also being considered for the race.

But he is likely to race at Leopardstown in the Savills Chase instead of heading to England.

Mullins, who was champion trainer in Britain and Ireland last season, said: “We have a lot of horses which could go to the King George.

“Galopin Des Champs will probably be at Leopardstown, where he won last year, but Fact To File could and also Asterion Forlonge, who ran a great race in it a few years ago.”

Mullins – who recently saw a ‘fantastic’ horse of his leave to join a British trainer – looks to be making a massive effort to hit the British fixtures early this year, including the first few at Cheltenham.

The iconic trainer – who also revealed I Am Maximus is to be set the task of emulating Red Rum by winning three Grand Nationals – left it late with a flurry of runners at the end of the season last time.

But he said yet more of his awesome squad of superstars could head over the sea before the end of the year.

He added: “Energumene could go for the Tingle Creek Chase but it is more than likely he will go to Cork for the Hilly Way Chase after missing last season.

“El Fabiolo could also go to Sandown. He is making nice progress coming back to himself this year. We will see how they are progressing as the Autumn kicks on.

“He is a horse who normally jumps very well. He will have another crack at it.

“He is young, he is only seven and he has another couple of years to be at his best.”

Cheltenham rolls back round with its Showcase Meeting next weekend before the November Meeting on the 15-17th of the month.

The Christmas Meeting takes place on December 13 and 14 before the New Year’s Day fixture.

Then it’s onto the Festival in March, where Mullins is the all-time leading trainer with 103 wins.

He said: “I think we will probably have a few more entries than we usually have at the earlier Cheltenham meetings.

“You have had a lot of rain in England compared to what we have had over here so the ground will not be an issue as it can be in other years for us.

“I can see ourselves being more proactive going to Cheltenham.”

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