Willie Mullins prepares the stellar team for the Dublin Racing Festival as Galopin Des Champs leads the charge

Willie Mullins is ready to shine at the upcoming Dublin Racing Festival, with his stable stars primed for action at Leopardstown. While the legendary trainer avoided discussions about Cheltenham, he couldn’t resist celebrating the growing appeal of the Dublin event. Last year, an impressive 38% of visitors came from Britain, prompting organisers to cap attendance at 18,500 after overwhelming demand in 2024.

“They [British racegoers] know what they want,” Mullins remarked, noting that a weekend in Dublin offers better value than Cheltenham. “Cheltenham reverting to handicaps isn’t great for the sport, but we’re giving fans a premium experience here,” he added.

Leading Mullins’ formidable line-up is Galopin Des Champs, who dazzled during the Savills Chase at Christmas. The nine-year-old chaser thrives at Leopardstown, and Mullins is confident he can dominate the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. “He’s been phenomenal here and will hopefully deliver again,” Mullins said.

The trainer sympathised with Martin Brassil, whose star horse Fastorslow is sidelined for the season. “It’s a body punch when your Grade One contender is out. But Galopin is in terrific form, and we’ll see what he can do,” Mullins noted.

Fact To File and the Challengers

Fact To File, another of Mullins’ standout horses, is set to challenge Galopin Des Champs again at Leopardstown. However, the odds are stacked against him after his struggle to match Galopin’s pace at Christmas. Despite this, Mullins is hopeful for improvement, leaving tactics in the hands of jockey Mark Walsh. “He’s got potential, but it’ll take something special to upset Galopin,” Mullins admitted.

The Dublin Racing Festival is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with Mullins’ dominance a key storyline. While Galopin Des Champs remains the undisputed king of the yard, the competition in Leopardstown’s two-day extravaganza promises excitement for racing enthusiasts.

State Man’s Redemption Arc

In the two-mile hurdle division, State Man will aim to bounce back after a disappointing performance at Christmas behind Brighterdaysahead. Mullins expressed optimism about his recovery: “We’re happy with his progress at home. It wasn’t his day last time, but we’re working on getting him back to his best.”

Mullins also praised Brighterdaysahead for her remarkable performance, though he hinted at a tactical shift for State Man’s next outing. The Irish Champion Hurdle could be a turning point for the horse, restoring confidence ahead of the spring racing season.

Competitive Spirit at Leopardstown

While the shadow of Cheltenham looms large over the racing calendar, Mullins is focused on the Dublin Racing Festival. “We’re here to talk about the DRF,” he emphasised, steering the narrative back to the local event. With his star-studded stable in peak form, the festival is set to deliver world-class racing and solidify Leopardstown’s reputation as a must-attend venue.