Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci buy potential superstar horse who looks just like the next Lossiemouth

The Sun

16-05-2025

WILLIE MULLINS and Rich Ricci have been busy in France buying another potential superstar - who looks just like the next Lossiemouth.
Striking grey filly Manita will run in the famous pink and green silks of the legendary owner next season.
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Ricci gave the thumbs up to buying the once-raced filly formerly in the care of Yannick Fouin after a promising debut.
Manita caught the attention of one of the most powerful double acts in racing with her runner-up finish to Manlaga in the Prix Auricula - a 1m7f race for three-year-old fillies unraced over jumps at Auteuil last March.
Manita was beaten three lengths by Manlaga, who has since gone to Nicky Henderson for owner JP McManus.
Manlaga earned rave reviews for her win, with respected French publication Jour De Galop waxing lyrical over her future.
They said: "The Prix Auricula was brilliantly won by the well-bred Manlaga.
"Her final acceleration was the result of a good filly.
"She is one of the stable's promising prospects.
"Hanging on in fifth place, Manlaga showed serious jumping.
"Fourth between the last two hurdles, she tracked the favorite Donatella before swooping down on the leaders just after the final obstacle.
"With 100 metres to go, ridden only by hands and heels, Manlaga detached her rivals to win by three lengths.
"A filly with a beautiful hindquarters, Manlaga showcased the strength of Marcel Rolland's training."
But it's Manita who caught the eye of Mullins.
She is by Moises Has, a Grade 1 hurdle winner who finished outside the top three just once in seven races in France.
He won the £75,000 2m3f Prix Renaud du Vivier in November 2020, beating James Du Berlais, who moved to Mullins after that race.
Manita is out of a Master Craftsman mare, and he is a stallion who has been more than useful for Mullins.
The Irish handler had Scaramanga by the same stallion and won just shy of £200,000 with him - while the brilliant Busselton, also by Master Craftsman, has won almost £300,000 over jumps for Joseph O'Brien.
Mullins has been busy rebuilding his squad after winning the British and Irish jumps trainer titles.
He has already bought 'the most exciting horse for next season '.
The promising hurdler will arrive at Closutton having won one race at Auteuil before being snapped up by Mullins, following the same path as Lossiemouth, State Man and Galopin Des Champs to name but a few.
While a first-of-its-kind deal will see Mullins train a hugely exciting runner for King Charles and Queen Camilla.
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