Willie Mullins isn't ruining British racing – he's just too damn good for everyone else

By Lewis Barnett 28 April, 2025 6 mins read 89 Views

Jesus. The crying and moaning that's erupted since Willie Mullins bagged his second British Jumps Trainers' Championship has been nothing short of embarrassing. People want to change the rules now? Give me a break.

I was chatting with an old racing buddy on Sunday who genuinely suggested they should alter how the championship works. My response: "And what - punish excellence?"

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The Irish Invasion Nobody Saw Coming (Except Everyone)

So Willie did it again. Now he's gunning for something even the legendary Vincent O'Brien never managed - winning three consecutive British championships while based in Ireland. That's the equivalent of living in France and somehow becoming the top chef in Italy. Twice. And then going for the hat-trick.

Back in 2018, I remember thinking Mullins might occasionally pinch a big race or two over here, but to systematically dismantle our best trainers? Nah. Shows what I know.

The man is absolutely cleaning up. And what's really terrifying (if you're Dan Skelton or anyone else) is that there's precisely zero evidence he'll slow down next season.

Why are we even debating this?

Let's get one thing straight.

The whole "Mullins wins on money but not on winners" argument is completely missing teh point. There's a perfectly logical reason why jockeys are judged on winners and trainers on prize money.

A jockey's job is simple: win races. That's it. That's the entire job description.

But trainers? Their actual job is to maximize returns for owners. Period. If that means targeting a third-place finish in a Grade 1 because your horse isn't quite good enough to win but can still earn decent money... that's smart training.

That time I got schooled by Ryan Moore (again)

Speaking of being made to look stupid... I had a classic Ryan Moore moment at Sandown last Friday. For those who caught my ITV interview with him after he won the Classic Trial on Swagman, you might've heard me mutter "You should have said that" as we wrapped up.

Social media went nuts trying to figure out what happened. Racing Lee on Twitter was particularly invested!

Here's what actually went down: I'd started the interview by confidently stating Aidan O'Brien was winning the race for the first time. Totally wrong. After we finished, Ryan - with that trademark dry smile - said, "You got it wrong. Aidan won it with Imperial Monarch."

To which I replied: "You should have said that. The viewers love it when you put me right."

His comeback? "I'd just make you look even more stupid."

Ouch. But fair.

The Sir Mark Prescott correction game

This reminded me of my ongoing battle with Sir Mark Prescott. We used to do these interviews where he'd absolutely delight in correcting my mistakes afterward. It became such a thing that he'd actually get disappointed if I didn't make an error he could pounce on.

Eventually I started deliberately planting minor factual errors just to keep the old boy happy. I'd say something like "your third winner at Yarmouth this season" knowing full well it was his fourth, just to see his eyes light up with the opportunity to correct me.

God. The things we do for good television.

Back to Mullins (and why everyone needs to stop whining)

Look, if you don't think Willie Mullins is the outstanding trainer in jumps racing right now, you're living in cloud cuckooland. He just is.

I spent $4K traveling to his yard in 2022 for a feature piece, and what struck me wasn't just the facilities or the horses - it was the methodical precision of the operation. The man is a genius, and he's earned every penny of prize money he's taken from British racing.

No trainer in history has ever said: "I want to keep training low grade Class 6 handicappers because it shows I'm better than someone training a Galileo to win the Derby." That's not how this sport works. It's about quality.

Finishing third in the Derby will always be worth more than winning some Tuesday afternoon Class 6 handicap at Wolverhampton. As it should be.

The Shoe is coming...

By the way, this weekend it's 2000 Guineas time. Field of Gold is running.

All I'll say for now is: Come on 'the Shoe'!

My editor bet me $20 that I wouldn't publicly back him after his last run. Well, there you go, money in the bank for me. Though after seeing his morning gallop reports, I'm feeling slightly less confident than I was last month...

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different race training methods for different horse breeds?

Race training methods can indeed vary for different horse breeds, as breed characteristics and racing distances differ. Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses undergo different types of training. Thoroughbreds excel at long-distance flat races, while Quarter Horses excel in sprinting. Each breed has unique physical and behavioral traits that require a tailored training approach.

How important is the pedigree of a racehorse for success?

While pedigree can be an indicator of potential, it is not the sole determinant of a racehorse's success. Although a horse’s lineage can indicate an inherited aptitude for endurance or speed, other factors, such as health and temperament, are also important. Training can enhance a horse’s natural abilities, and allow it to perform better than horses with more impressive pedigrees.

What's the role of a jockey in training a racehorse?

Jockeys play a critical role in the training of racehorses. The jockeys ride the horses, giving feedback on their performance. They also help to educate the horse in racing tactics, like pacing the horse, positioning it, and responding when given commands. The jockey's ability to understand the horse and its strengths and weakness is crucial for preparation.

How do I prepare a horse to race?

It is important to condition a horse gradually. This includes long distance training to build stamina along with shorter workouts that increase speed. The cardiovascular system, muscle structure, and bone structure of the horse must be developed over time with a specially designed exercise regime that mimics race conditions without injury or stress.

What age should a race horse start training?

Horses can start their basic training as yearlings, but most begin their more rigorous race training and conditioning when they are around two years old. When their bodies are mature and able to handle the stress of the track, but still young enough to learn. The exact timing depends on the horse's maturity and temperament.

What type of diet is ideal for racing horses?

A racehorse diet must be of the highest quality and balanced precisely to meet their energetic requirements for training and racing. The diet is usually a mixture of high-quality hay, grains like oats and barley, as well as commercially prepared racehorse feed. Additionally, the diet should be supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and peak performance.

Statistics

Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
The average racehorse reaches its peak physical ability between the ages of four to five, with some variation based on the breed and individual development.
The majority of racehorses in training are subject to an exercise regimen that includes being ridden six days a week.
Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.

External Links

How To

How To Educate A Racehorse On Racing Strategies

For a jockey with experience to help a horse learn racing tactics, he or she must combine trackwork as well as guidance. Practice gate starting, pacing and positioning as well as responding to changing tempos during a race. Role-play different race scenarios to teach adaptability and introduce the horse to the dynamics of a competitive environment. A well-trained horse can perform strategic moves and pace changes according to their rider's instructions, which will have a significant impact on the outcome.