Willie Mullins gears up for new national hunt racing season

It’s that time again when we all begin, excitedly, to look forward to that special event of the year beginning with the letter ‘C.’

No, not Christmas.

Cheltenham.

Or more specifically, the Cheltenham Festival, the Olympics of National Hunt racing which takes place in the Cotswolds town every March.

It’s the mecca for jump jockeys and trainers and none more so than legendary Irish trainer Willie Mullins.

The county Carlow based trainer has amassed over 100 winners at the festival over the years and looks certain to build on that next spring.

He recently threw open the doors of his base at Closutton on the eve of the new season to get a first look at stalwarts including Gaelic Warrior and many other of his leading runners.

It promises to be another memorable season both at home in Ireland across the UK with all roads leading to the festival early next year.