Willie Mullins Just Scooped Up This Jockey Who Hit a Mental 150-1 Winner

By Lewis Barnett 2 June, 2025 5 mins read 65 Views

Honestly? I've been watching Willie Mullins hoover up talent for years, but this one caught my attention.

Anna McGuinness just banged home her first winner for the Closutton king on Sunday at Kilbeggan, steering I Am River to victory for JP McManus. The horse was 15-8 favorite and won by over two lengths, which sounds straightforward until you realize this was only her third ride for Mullins. That's some serious trust right there.

Hear the Summary

That 150-1 Bomb Still Makes Me Laugh

Here's the mad bit - McGuinness's very first career win came aboard a 150-1 outsider called Feast at Downpatrick back in July 2023. A bumper race, no less. Can you imagine? Your first ever winner at those odds. I would've been shaking so hard I couldn't hold the reins.

The bookies probably didn't even bother calculating proper odds for that one.

Frank Berry Knows What He's Talking About

McManus's racing manager Frank Berry was full of praise afterwards, saying Anna got the horse into a lovely rhythm and "couldn't have done better." Coming from Berry, that's gold. The man's seen enough jockeys come and go to know promising talent when he spots it.

She'd already picked up £7,500 for finishing third on A Penny A Hundred in the Mayo National at Ballinrobe recently. Not bad for someone still building her reputation.

Willie's Summer Shopping Spree Continues

McGuinness joining the ranks is just part of Mullins's typical summer restocking. The man's like a kid in a candy store when it comes to adding new horses to his already massive string.

His trusted lieutenant Harold Kirk just dropped £125,000 on a four-year-old called Bentraghhill at the point-to-point sales last week. Apparently he's "gorgeous" - though at that price, he better be. The horse comes from Wilson Dennison, who previously owned Yorkhill, Shaneshill and Bellshill for Mullins. Bit of a pattern with those names, eh?

Then there's Looking For Eight, sent over by Audrey Turley (she owns Galopin Des Champs, so she knows her stuff). Plus Arcadian Emperor, another point-to-point winner who's recently pitched up at Closutton.

The £300k Question

All this new talent will be joining Poetisa, that £300,000 Cheltenham bumper winner Mullins picked up earlier. When you're spending that kind of money, you're not messing about.

McGuinness has only three career wins so far, but being labeled a "promising" conditional rider by the Mullins camp usually means good things are coming. The fact that Willie keeps a close eye on her when she rides work at his Cork yard tells you everything you need know.

I Am River hadn't run for 517 days before Sunday's win, which makes the performance even more impressive. Sometimes these long layoffs can go either way - the horse comes back fresh or completely loses their edge.

This one clearly came back ready to roll.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn the racecards?

It is important to read a racecard in order to understand the race and the horses that are running. A racecard usually lists information such as the horse’s name, age and weight, along with the trainer, jockey and form figures that show past performance. By learning how to interpret these data, you can better gauge each horse's chances. As part of their customer services, many betting services and racecourses provide guides on reading racecards.

What is the role of a steward in horse racing?

Stewards are responsible for ensuring that all horse racing is conducted in a fair and legal manner, according to the racing rules. They have to supervise the conduct by jockeys or trainers along with other race personnel. Stewards also have the authority to impose penalties, such as fines or suspensions, in the event of rules being breached.

What does it really mean when a race horse is called a "stayer?"

In racing terminology, a ‘stayer’ is a type of horse that excels on long distances. These distances usually exceed one mile and four quarters. Stayers must possess not only speed but also endurance to maintain a strong pace over extended races. Renowned stayers often compete in long-distance races such as the Ascot Gold Cup.

How are horses and their riders kept safe during a racing event?

The safety of both horses and riders is of paramount importance in UK horse racing. Stringent regulations are in place to ensure that racecourses meet high safety standards, including the condition of the tracks and the quality of the jumps. Horses are inspected for health before and after racing, and jockeys must wear safety equipment such as body protectors and helmets. The sport also employs veterinarians and rapid response teams to handle any incident quickly and competently.

Can you explain what the 'Going' is in horse racing?

'Going' refers to the condition of the racecourse's surface on the day of a race. It's a crucial factor that affects the performance of the racehorses and the outcome. The Going' is a range of conditions, from heavy (indicating a soft, wet surface) to firm (indicating a dry, hard surface). Between these are several different grades, including good to soft (soft), good to firm (firm), and hard. Trainers and jockeys must consider the 'Going' when deciding on racing strategy and equipment, such as the choice of horseshoes for better grip.

What is the significance behind the jockey's sashes?

The jockey's sashes are the colorful and pattern garments that are worn during a racing event. Each set is unique, and each horse owner's registration allows officials and spectators to easily identify the horses. The silks' design can have sentimental meaning or be part of a family tradition. It may include different colors, patterns, or emblems.

Statistics

The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.
Around 14,000 thoroughbred foals are born each year in the UK with the goal of becoming top racehorses.
The Grand National at Aintree boasts a prize fund of around £1 million, making it the most valuable jump race in Europe.
The National Hunt racing season in the UK sees approximately 1,000 races with hurdles or fences each year.
In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.

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How To

How to Join a Horse Racing Syndicate in the UK

By joining a UK horse racing syndicate, individuals can collectively own and race a racehorse while sharing the associated costs and experiences. Find a syndicate that suits your budget and interests. Syndicate managers handle the horse's training and care, organizing visits to the trainer's yard and the races. Decide what level of financial and involvement you are comfortable with. This can vary from one syndicate to another. Be sure that you complete all paperwork, such as agreements on ownership, liability, and decisions regarding a horse's racing and welfare.

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