Latest news with #Closutton
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Little-known trainer's joy as Willie Mullins swoops to buy stable star for £300k
Mullins bought Poetisa from Toby Bulgin at the Doncaster's Goffs UK Spring Horses in Training and Point-to-Point Sale. The mare is set to join horses like Grand National hero Nick Rockett and dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs at Closutton A trainer with only a dozen horses to compete is celebrating after Willie Mullins swooped to buy his stable star for £300,000. The all-conquering handler was determined to secure Poetisa, a first time out winner for Toby Bulgin at Cheltenham's April Meeting. Mullins had to fend off rival Nicky Henderson in a bidding war at Doncaster's Goffs UK Spring Horses in Training and Point-to-Point Sale on Wednesday. Represented by talent scout Harold Kirk, the Closutton maestro forked out an extra £10,000 to prevent the 20-1 scorer from going to Seven Barrows. "It was beyond our wildest dreams to have Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson bidding against each other for our horse," said Bulgin, who returned to winning ways in 2021 after a 32-year break from racing. "I think she is an absolute star and had been working so well on the run up to Cheltenham." Over the years, Kirk has sourced numerous stars for Mullins, including Hurricane Fly - who gained legendary status with a record 22 victories at Grade One level - and 11-time top flight hero Faugheen. Bulgin and his wife Nicola bought Poetisa from last year's Goffs Doncaster Spring Store Sale for only £42,000 and brought her along steadily. But impressive homework saw her start out at Prestbury Park with three-time champion jockey Brian Hughes in the saddle. Settled in midfield, the daughter of Poet's Word overcame trouble-in-running in a fiercely competitive event to score in determined fashion. Poetisa is now set to join current Mullins-trained stars like Grand National titleholder Nick Rockett and dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs at his stables in Ireland. "We took her to Kempton and Newbury on the run up to the race," said Bulgin, a former jockey who went straight from boarding school to take a job with Sir Mark Prescott in 1976. "She has so much natural ability and it was tempting to go for the Grade Two bumper at Aintree, but we decided Cheltenham wouldn't be so much of an ask. "Brian said he would leave it late and it was really exciting to see her get to the front up the hill." The couple, who farmed cattle and sheep for many years in Norfolk, have eight three-year-olds at home in Lambourn, with five yet to be broken in. Many years ago Toby Bulgin left racing and gained a role in a company which manufactured electrical components, earning money to support his family. In 2021 he returned to his beloved sport after more than three decades away when Luckofthedraw hit the target in a Fontwell chase. "I was always going to come back to it," he said. "We usually have a dozen horses in training and others to break in. "Selling Poetisa helped to pay last year's bills - with feed, farriers and so on it is an expensive business. We also found a nice horse for Paul Nolan called Rue Taylor, who has won maiden and novice hurdles in Ireland. "The feeling at the sales is a mixture of nerves and excitement. It is also a relief when the right faces appear at the ringside and you get a result." Kirk admitted he had to dig a little deeper than he had expected to secure Poetisa, bred by Reamonn and Shauna Rice from Chars, an Old Vic half-sister to the top-class hurdler Macs Joy. 'I thought she'd make between £200,000 and £250,000, but there's always going to be somebody else on a horse like this," he said. "If you're up against Nicky Henderson, you're going to have to be strong. I thought she was the standout here today. I hope she's lucky now.'
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Willie Mullins buys ‘the most exciting horse for next season' after seeing what he did on debut
WILLIE MULLINS is going all guns blazing in his attempt to continue dominating jumps racing - with the purchase of the 'most exciting horse for next season'. The Closutton boss plunders all the top talent from France, with the likes of Lossiemouth, State Man and Galopin Des Champs all arriving at his Irish HQ after one race across the Channel. 2 Narciso Has was snapped up by Willie Mullins for owner JP McManus after this hugely impressive debut at Auteuil 2 The hugely exciting Narciso Has has been bought by the two most powerful forces in jumps racing Credit: Sportsfile And now it has been confirmed that the hugely promising Narciso Has will join the list of superstars to move to Mullins after one run at Auteuil. Jour De Galop reported that Mullins moved quickly to seal a deal for the Marcel Rolland-trained Narciso Has on behalf of legendary billionaire owner JP McManus. Mullins and McManus won the Ryanair together with Fact To File at this year's Cheltenham Festival and have enjoyed huge success with the likes of Grand National hero I Am Maximus, plus Majborough and Dinoblue to name just a few others. Three-year-old Narciso Has, a son of awesome jumps stallion Doctor Dino, was an eased-down winner of the 1m7f Prix Wild Monarch (Poulains) last month. The contest, worth just shy of £25,000 to the winner, is for colts or geldings making their debut over obstacles. It clearly bodes well for the future that Narciso Has saw off his nearest challenger, Diablo Vert, with a slick, well-timed leap at the last. From good stock HERE are just some of the awesome jumpers Doctor Dino has produced... State Man Sharjah Docteur De Ballon Jade De Grugy La Bague Au Roi Dinoblue Sceau Royal Fil Dor Jazzy Matty And jockey Ludovic Philipperon hardly had to get serious in the saddle as the post approached. He merely eased out his mount, the one-and-a-quarter-length winning margin flattering Narciso Has' rivals. One punter said Narciso Has represents 'the most exciting' purchase to come from France so far this summer season. Describing his debut win, French racing bible Equidia said: "Always seen at the front, Narciso Has accelerated in the straight and did not win by a long way, but with a lot of authority. "Alongside the pacesetter Diablo Vert, Narciso Has took a slight advantage over his rival between the last two hurdles, before heading off to an authoritative victory." Mullins and bloodstock agent Harold Kirk will be busy in France over the next few months, picking out who they believe will be future champions. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Willie Mullins buys ‘the most exciting horse for next season' after seeing what he did on debut
WILLIE MULLINS is going all guns blazing in his attempt to continue dominating jumps racing - with the purchase of the 'most exciting horse for next season'. The Closutton boss plunders all the top talent from France, with the likes of Lossiemouth, State Man and Galopin Des Champs all arriving at his Irish HQ after one race across the Channel. 2 Narciso Has was snapped up by Willie Mullins for owner JP McManus after this hugely impressive debut at Auteuil 2 The hugely exciting Narciso Has has been bought by the two most powerful forces in jumps racing Credit: Sportsfile And now it has been confirmed that the hugely promising Narciso Has will join the list of superstars to move to Mullins after one run at Auteuil. Mullins and McManus won the Ryanair together with Fact To File at this year's Cheltenham Festival and have enjoyed huge success with the likes of Grand National hero I Am Maximus, plus Majborough and Dinoblue to name just a few others. Three-year-old Narciso Has, a son of awesome jumps stallion Doctor Dino, was an eased-down winner of the 1m7f Prix Wild Monarch (Poulains) last month. The contest, worth just shy of £25,000 to the winner, is for colts or geldings making their debut over obstacles. It clearly bodes well for the future that Narciso Has saw off his nearest challenger, Diablo Vert, with a slick, well-timed leap at the last. From good stock HERE are just some of the awesome jumpers Doctor Dino has produced... State Man Sharjah Docteur De Ballon Jade De Grugy La Bague Au Roi Dinoblue Sceau Royal Fil Dor Jazzy Matty And jockey Ludovic Philipperon hardly had to get serious in the saddle as the post approached. He merely eased out his mount, the one-and-a-quarter-length winning margin flattering Narciso Has' rivals. Most read in Horse Racing One punter said Narciso Has represents 'the most exciting' purchase to come from France so far this summer season. Describing his debut win, French racing bible Equidia said: "Always seen at the front, Narciso Has accelerated in the straight and did not win by a long way, but with a lot of authority. "Alongside the pacesetter Diablo Vert, Narciso Has took a slight advantage over his rival between the last two hurdles, before heading off to an authoritative victory." Mullins and bloodstock agent Harold Kirk will be busy in France over the next few months, picking out who they believe will be future champions. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Willie Mullins buys ‘the most exciting horse for next season' after seeing what he did on debut
WILLIE MULLINS is going all guns blazing in his attempt to continue dominating jumps racing - with the purchase of the 'most exciting horse for next season'. The Closutton boss plunders all the top talent from France, with the likes of Lossiemouth, State Man and Galopin Des Champs all arriving at his Irish HQ after one race across the Channel. 2 And now it has been confirmed that the hugely promising Narciso Has will join the list of superstars to move to Mullins after one run at Auteuil. Jour De Galop reported that Mullins moved quickly to seal a deal for the Marcel Rolland-trained Narciso Has on behalf of legendary billionaire owner JP McManus. Mullins and McManus won the Ryanair together with Fact To File at this year's Cheltenham Festival and have enjoyed huge success with the likes of Grand National hero I Am Maximus, plus Majborough and Dinoblue to name just a few others. Three-year-old Narciso Has, a son of awesome jumps stallion Doctor Dino, was an eased-down winner of the 1m7f Prix Wild Monarch (Poulains) last month. The contest, worth just shy of £25,000 to the winner, is for colts or geldings making their debut over obstacles. It clearly bodes well for the future that Narciso Has saw off his nearest challenger, Diablo Vert, with a slick, well-timed leap at the last. And jockey Ludovic Philipperon hardly had to get serious in the saddle as the post approached. He merely eased out his mount, the one-and-a-quarter-length winning margin flattering Narciso Has' rivals. One punter said Narciso Has represents 'the most exciting' purchase to come from France so far this summer season. Describing his debut win, French racing bible Equidia said: "Always seen at the front, Narciso Has accelerated in the straight and did not win by a long way, but with a lot of authority. "Alongside the pacesetter Diablo Vert, Narciso Has took a slight advantage over his rival between the last two hurdles, before heading off to an authoritative victory." Mullins and bloodstock agent Harold Kirk will be busy in France over the next few months, picking out who they believe will be future champions. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Townend picks up where he left off with Tipperary success
Crowned champion jockey for the seventh time at Punchestown last Saturday, Paul Townend made a perfect start to the new season when scoring on board his first mount of the 2025-2026 campaign, Gold Dancer, in the Hotel Minella Beginners Chase in Tipperary. The Gigginstown-owned, Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old, raced prominently, jumped soundly in the main, and, in the closing stages, saw off Le Coq Hardi by four lengths. 'He's been so disappointing, but had a run over fences,' said Townend. 'Chasing was always going to be his game. He makes lengths over his fences and it'll take a good novice to lie up with him. I'd say we'll keep going with him.' Townend was expected to complete a double for the Closutton team on You Oughta Know in the Ryans Cleaning beginners Chase. However, the 11-8 favourite blundered and unseated the champion jockey at the second fence. Victory in this event went to the 134-rated, Gordon Elliott-trained Western Fold, positively ridden by Danny Gilligan to put his experience to good use. The six-year-old, having his sixth run over fences, jumped impeccably and relished every yard of the longer trip, powering home eight lengths clear of Oscars Brother. Representing Elliott, Lisa O'Neill said: 'He had plenty of experience and his jumping improved as he went along. Danny gave him a lovely, positive ride and said he got the run of the race. It's great to get him on the scoreboard. And I''d say he'll keep going through the summer.' Edward O'Grady registered his first success since November when St Faz, successful on the Flat and over hurdles, opened his chasing account in the Botanica International Handicap Chase. Ridden by Darragh O'Keeffe, the 5-2 favourite took command at the second last and stayed on to beat One Last Tango by two and a quarter lengths. 'The horses have been running well without winning, so I'm very pleased this fellow has won,' commented the veteran trainer, 'He's a five-year-old, so might progress and he'll run in those novice handicaps through the summer.' The father and son combination of trainer Alex and amateur Luke Burke-Ott struck in the Join Racing TV Now With A Free Month Trial Handicap Chase when Inchidaly Copper recovered from a last fence blunder to outpoint the flattering In The Trenches by a neck. 'The main thing is to keep him fresh and he's only in six weeks, so we thought he'd need the run,' said the trainer, 'I'd say he trains himself and we had no real plan for him. The distance was shorter than ideal for him.' Another father/son team was on the mark in the Buy Tickets Online Novice Hunters Chase as The Rebel County, owned and trained by Garrett Ahern in Bartlemy, County Cork and giving his son Josh a first racecourse success, saw off favourite Cause For Comment and Keep On Dreaming. 'He loved that summer ground,' declared the winning rider. 'He was wicked keen with me and I kept wide for the best ground. I gave him a squeeze turning into the straight and away he went.' The only four-year-old in the field, Chosen Comrade, described by her trainer Peter Fahey as 'not the biggest, but a nice staying filly', made an impressive debut in the mares' bumper, beating favourite Katie's Melody comfortably, and proving another winner for in-form John Gleeson. And, successful with I'm Slippy at Fairyhouse last month, Robert Tyner and Josh Williamson teamed-up again to take the geldings' bumper with six-year-old Quakerstown scorer Stanners Glen.
