Willie Mullins long-time assistant David Casey names five horses to follow that could all go to Cheltenham Festival

Willie Mullins stable preparing for new season

Preparations are ramping up at Willie Mullins’ Closutton base, with several horses expected to begin their campaigns next month. Long-time assistant David Casey has highlighted five horses he believes could make an impact this season.

Five horses to follow

• Mighty Park – Owned by JP McManus, this horse will switch to chasing after only two novice hurdle runs. He won by a wide margin at Fairyhouse and finished ninth in the Supreme at Cheltenham.
• Chic Me – A grey filly bought from France who won a maiden hurdle by six lengths in March. She is likely to target the Triumph Hurdle at next year’s Cheltenham Festival.
• Interstellar – Another recruit from France who won at Auteuil earlier this year. Casey describes the gelding as “very nice” and sees Triumph Hurdle potential.
• Gaelic Warrior – The Gold Cup winner followed up with an impressive victory at Punchestown and is expected to return strongly.
• Jasmin De Vaux – Absent since winning the 2m 7f Grade 1 novice hurdle at last year’s Punchestown Festival after earlier success in the Albert Bartlett. The horse is on the comeback trail and may head down the stayers’ route.

Additional prospects

Casey also mentioned other names with strong potential. King Rasko Grey, who won at Cheltenham, could make his mark over fences and may follow the Arkle route. Anzadam is another high-class horse set to go chasing, while Copacabana impressed in a single bumper run and is viewed as a strong contender.

These runners are part of a larger group at Closutton that will soon begin their preparations for the new season.