Mullins Just Pulled Off the Racing Move of the Year - And It's Worth £115k

By Lewis Barnett 11 June, 2025 6 mins read 71 Views

Holy hell, Willie Mullins doesn't mess around.

The man's gone and snatched Colin Keane - literally one of the most gifted jockeys I've ever watched - for two massive Royal Ascot rides that could net a combined £115,000. And get this: Keane's contract with Juddmonte isn't even 48 hours old yet. The paperwork's probably still warm from the printer, and Mullins is already making his move like some kind of racing chess master.

Audio Summary of the Article

When Opportunity Knocks, You Answer (Fast)

Look, I've been covering racing for fifteen years, and this kind of timing? It's either brilliant or completely mental. Maybe both.

Keane's ditching those iconic Juddmonte colors - you know, the pink, white and green ones that look like Easter threw up on silk - for two Mullins runners on Tuesday's opening day. The six-time Irish Champion Flat jockey will be aboard Too Bossy For Us in the Ascot Stakes (2m4f) and Pappano in the Copper Horse Handicap (1m6f).

Both horses are owned by the HOS Syndicate, which sounds like some kind of secret society but is probably just rich people who like fast horses.

The Numbers Game

Here's where it gets interesting. Mullins dominated the Ascot Stakes from 2015-2018, winning three out of four years like he owned the damn thing. Then... nothing. Radio silence. Complete drought.

But the Copper Horse? That's been his playground recently. Vauban absolutely demolished the field before Belloccio took it last year. Two years running. The man's got a system, and it's working.

Victory in both races this year pays £115,000 combined. That's serious money - not "buy a yacht" money, but definitely "pay off your mortgage and take a very nice holiday" money.

Plot Twist: Buick's in the Mix Too

But wait, there's more drama.

Mullins also secured William Buick - Godolphin's golden boy - for these same races. Buick gets the ride on Poniros (remember that freak 100-1 Triumph Hurdle winner that made everyone look stupid?) in the Ascot Stakes. Meanwhile, he's pencilled in for Charlus in the Copper Horse, trying to make it back-to-back wins after last year.

So we've got Keane vs. Buick in both races. Two absolute legends going head-to-head on Mullins horses. Someone in the betting shops is having a very good day right now.

Keane's Meteoric Rise Continues

The timing of Keane's Juddmonte signing couldn't be more perfect. He just guided Field Of Gold to Irish 1,000 Guineas glory after getting beaten at Newmarket (which probably stung like hell at the time). Now he's got this massive contract and two huge Ascot rides within the same week.

Douglas Erskine Crum from Juddmonte said they're "delighted" to have Keane, calling him "one of the most exciting and talented riders of his generation." Corporate speak aside, they're not wrong. The guy's got magic hands and reads a race like he wrote the script himself.

They've had retained jockeys before - Pat Eddery, Richard Hughes, James Doyle - but recently they'd been playing the field with different trainers' jockeys. Now they want that "security and consistency" again. Smart move, honestly.

The Mullins Youth Movement

While we're talking about Mullins' eye for talent, he's been giving serious opportunities to up-and-coming riders at his Irish operation. Anna McGuinness has been repaying his faith with winner after winner, and there's this young lad whose father died before he was born who's making quite the name for himself too.

It's like Mullins has this sixth sense for spotting talent before anyone else catches on.

Tuesday can't come fast enough. £115,000 on the line, two world-class jockeys, and Willie Mullins pulling strings like a master puppeteer. This is why I love this sport - you never know what's coming next, but you know it's going to be good.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when a horse is described as a 'stayer' in racing terms?

A'stayer,' in racing terms is a horse who excels at racing long distances. Typically, these distances are beyond one mile and four furlongs. Stayers have to be able to run fast over long distances. Renowned Stayers compete often in long-distance racing such as Ascot Gold Cup.

How do racehorses get bred for racing and how are they selected?

Racehorses tend to be bred for the purpose of winning races. Breeders choose dams and sires with racing pedigrees to produce offspring who are fast, durable, and have a good temperament. Thoroughbreds, which are the most common breeds associated with racing in Britain, are closely tracked. Potential racehorses go through a process of selection that includes a pedigree assessment, physical conformation assessments and their performance in training.

What are the UK's 'Classics in horse racing'?

Classics refers to the five most prestigious races in UK thoroughbred racing. These are usually considered the best contests of three-year-old horses. The 2,000 Guineas (also known as the 1,000 Guineas), The Epsom Derby (also called The Epsom Oaks), and The St. Leger Stakes make up this series. This is a major achievement for any horse. Winning the Triple Crown is even more impressive.

How do I learn how to read a racing card?

Understanding the information contained in a racing card is essential for understanding a race, and the horses involved. A racecard typically lists details such as the horse's name, age, weight carried, trainer, jockey, form figures representing past performance, and sometimes the colors of the silks worn by the jockey. You can make better decisions about your bets by learning to interpret the data. As part of customer service, many racecourses and betting companies offer guides on how to read racecards.

What are the UK's most prestigious horse races?

The United Kingdom hosts many acclaimed horse-racing events that are popular around the globe. The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious event, followed by the Grand National, Aintree's Grand National, and Royal Ascot. These events showcase not only the best in equine talents, but also rich tradition and history. They have evolved into social occasions with distinct dress codes and royal patronage.

How can the safety of riders and horses be maintained during a horse race?

The safety and welfare of both riders and horses are paramount in UK Horse Racing. There are strict regulations in place that ensure racecourses adhere to high safety standards. Horses receive health checks prior to and after races. Jocks are also required to wear protective gear like helmets and body guards. The sport also employs veterinarians and rapid response teams to handle any incident quickly and competently.

Statistics

The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
British horse racing generates over £350 million in annual tax revenues for the UK government.
There are over 8,000 active racehorse owners in the UK, ranging from royals to common citizens.
The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.

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How To

How to Choose the Right Horse Racing Festival in the UK

Your interests will determine which horse racing festivals you attend in the UK. You may prefer flat racing for its elegance or the excitement of jumping races. Royal Ascot has a royal connection and a strict dressing code. If you want pomp and pageantry then this is the festival for you. The Cheltenham Festival is a great place to go if you enjoy jump racing. It offers both a high-stakes race and a festive atmosphere. You can learn about the races and their history as well as the additional entertainment offered. Consider the location and accessibility, as well as accommodation options to ensure your race day experience is as enjoyable and convenient as possible.