I would say the Cheltenham Gold Cup is more superior than the GN being the number 1 chaser in the world- the grade of horses are better, more, the GN is you need alot more luck. But fair enough. Im not saying hes not a good trainer but give me a horse I would prefer to give it to Henderson or Nicholls than him! but that jsut my personal opinion
Woolcombe... I'd agree that the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most important steeplechase of the two but the Grand National also holds very high prestige. Look at Paul Nicholls for example he as never won the Grand National or the Champion Hurdle but he is one of the best race horse trainers to have graced the sport, But then look at Willie Mullins hes won the Grand National and the Champion Hurdle hes won just about every race that actually matters apart from the Gold Cup which will only be a matter of time. I'd put him at the very top with Nicholls and Henderson IMO... As for Binocular giving Hurricane Fly some competition at Cheltenham, You must be joking. I'd be suprised if he makes a place. The Triumph form from last year is very very strong with the likes of Zarkandar, Unaccompanied, Grandouet, Brampour all sporting very good form this year and with the likes of Spirit Son aswell its going to be a very competetive Champion Hurdle espcially if the Champ turns up in good nick its a step above the quality of Binocular IMO....
The clue is in what I've highlighted Wooly, it's not necessarily my viewpoint! I'm simply pointing out the man on the street would view the Grand National as the biggest prize in the sport and that Mullins, unlike Mr Nicholls, has won this. Anyway my point is Mullins is a very fine trainer, a point we both agree on! It's harsh to hold him liable for the Hurricane's problems but he could probably do a better job in informing the public of his condition in my opinion.
It's not fantastic news for Hurricane Fly backers, but I don't think there should be any panic. If his price went out to 7/2 at any point I think I'd snap it up. You have to remember that the Champion Hurdle is the NUMBER 1 aim, so everything is geared around that having missed it through injury in years previous. Mullins seens no point running him unless he is absolutely happy he will run to his best and not hinder his fitness. If that means just one run before Cheltenham, so be it. He was the best hurdler by a country mile last season and his strong travelling style means he will be very, very difficult to beat. The good thing is that he is fit and well, and that he just needs a run or two to bring him on. That's not a bad position to be in whatsoever.
Yeah he probably could but compared to some trainers in England he's more transparent than a piece of glass. If the Fly turns up at Cheltenham it's going to take an almighty effort from something else to beat him.
Fair point you make Topclass, i am ultra tempted to start backing HF at the price he is at currently (and the possibility of it drifting). But with the horses track record of not lining up in festivals of year gone by, would it be suicidal to start backing it? Especially with Mullins not being all to clear about the what maybe up with HF (not saying he's not being honest and straight up with us)
What has Mullins said that's not clear? He's said the horse is well he just wasn't happy he'd do himself justice!! The only reason he's drifted is because of his history; It seems people want to be put off from backing him last season it was the never been to Cheltenham this season it's he'll be injured!! The fact he is 3's is ridiculous if he turns up he'll be odds on what other favourite can you back antepost at the moment that will probably be 4 times less its price and have no genuine contender?
He can be backed at 2/1 NRNB with Ladbrokes. That seems decent seeing as he must surely be at best Evens if he lines-up. I had a bit of 3/1 for the Boylesports 12 Days of Xmas offer so I'm happy with that.
Interesting Zen, I'd say the 2/1 NRNB was better value than the 3/1, but could be they're both great bets...
