Willie Mullins addresses rumours he’s opening new ‘satellite yard’ in Britain
WILLIE MULLINS has addressed rumours he is planning to set up a new ‘satellite yard’ in Britain.
The all-conquering Irishman became the first handler in 70 years to win the British jumps trainers’ championship at Sandown at the end of last month.
It capped an amazing year for the Closutton boss, which included winning the Grand National and Gold Cup – not to mention the Scottish Gold Cup and bet365 Gold Cup.
Bookies have installed Mullins as the 2-1 favourite to win the British crown again next year, ahead of 9-4 Paul Nicholls and 5-2 Dan Skelton.
All the above led to whispers Mullins was contemplating setting up a yard in Britain to base horses who would race predominantly over here.
Especially after he shipped a load over to the likes of Ludlow and Ayr in the final weeks of the season.
But now he has addressed those suggestions head-on – and his answer will be a relief to trainers on this side of the Irish Sea.
Asked about opening a new yard, Mullins said: “I feel by having a satellite yard in Britain I’d have to send key people over there to look after it.
“And I don’t want to do that.
“I’m very happy we have our yard and our system here in Closutton.”
Having another base in Britain would mean Mullins splitting his time between Blighty and his beloved Lord Bagenal Inn, where he celebrates all of his many successes.
And he can expect to frequent his spot in the corner after the summer months once his stable of galacticos take to the track again in the autumn.
In particular he looks to have a particularly strong squad of chasers.
Fact To File was a brilliant winner of the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
And the JP McManus-owned horse went favourite for the Gold Cup after Galopin Des Champs tasted defeat in the Punchestown Gold Cup at the hooves of Fastorslow.
I Am Maximus will be targeted at the Gold Cup while the likes of Dancing City and Ballyburn, to name but a few, could also go over fences.
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