Patrick Mullins eyeing Christmas cheer at Limerick

Limerick’s Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Steeplechase may deliver the ideal Christmas gift for Patrick Mullins, as the Grand National-winning jockey looks to further strengthen his impressive record in the Grade One contest.

It is sure to be a busy period for the decorated amateur with his father Willie sending his array of stars not only to Leopardstown for their bumper festive meeting but also to England where top-class chasers Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior share top billing in Kempton’s King George VI Chase.

However, the Closutton team will also make their presence felt at Limerick where the hugely exciting Final Demand is just one of the names amongst a five-strong Mullins contingent in a race the stable have won a record nine times.

The race has also been lucky for Mullins the jockey, who has taken advantage of a calendar clash with the feature Savills Chase back in the Irish capital to successfully partner the likes of Faugheen (2019) and Gaelic Warrior (2023) in recent years.

With a busy spell on the horizon Mullins said: “I should be in Leopardstown every day baring Limerick for the Faugheen on December 28, but you never know.

“There’s Final Demand, Jimmy Du Seuil and a few others in the race so a few nice rides up for grabs in it. It’s Savills day as well and I’ve picked up some good ones in that race because of that over the years.

“It used to always be Emmet (Mullins) and he would go down and win on a few like Sir Des Champs and it’s been a lucky race for us.”

He went on: “I don’t think I’ll be at Kempton and I’d be surprised if Paul (Townend) didn’t ride Gaelic Warrior. I’m looking forward to a good Christmas but I’m not sure Santa is that good though.”

Along with Final Demand and Jimmy Du Seuil, the Mullins team could be represented by Kitzbuhel, Gold Dancer and Predators Gold with Connor King’s Oscars Brother and the Henry de Bromhead-trained The Big Westerner also engaged in the Limerick feature.