Choices abound for Gaelic Warrior at Cheltenham Festival
Puzzling Choices Await Gaelic Warrior at Cheltenham Festival
Patrick Mullins acknowledges that the versatility of Gaelic Warrior poses a challenge when deciding on his target for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
The gelding has demonstrated both speed and stamina, triumphing over distances ranging from two to three miles in hurdle races. Notably, his victory in a Grade One contest at Limerick during Christmas firmly established him as one of Willie Mullins’ most promising novice chasers.
However, there is one glaring inconsistency in Gaelic Warrior’s performance – he tends to jump towards his right. Interestingly, this quirk has cost him both of his defeats since joining Mullins’ yard, which happens to be left-handed Cheltenham.
With entries in the two-mile Arkle Chase, the two-and-a-half-mile Turners Novices’ Chase, and the three-mile Brown Advisory Chase at the festival, finding the ideal distance for Gaelic Warrior remains an enigma.
“I think he’s very versatile,” says Patrick Mullins who rode him at Limerick. “He won a very valuable two-mile handicap hurdle and then a Grade One over three miles as well.”
Mullins further explains that while Gaelic Warrior could potentially excel over shorter distances due to his jumping style, going slower on the new course might help alleviate this issue during longer trips.
Mullins admits, “If you see any of the head-on shots at Limerick, he does jump to his right. So, does going a stride slower on the new course over two and a half (in the Turners) help negate that? It might.”
Nonetheless, determining Gaelic Warrior’s optimal distance remains uncertain. The horse possesses enough speed for two miles but has demonstrated staying power over three miles.
“He’s just versatile,” reflects Mullins. “With regards to Cheltenham I don’t know… plans are up in the air at the moment.”
Gaelic Warrior’s trainer Willie Mullins prefers making decisions closer to race day as it allows him to avoid any last-minute changes or disruptions.
Mulling over potential options for Gaelic Warrior, Patrick Mullins concludes with an air of intrigue, “This fellow is so versatile; he has lots of options so we won’t nail our colours to the mast too soon.”