Cheltenham Festival will be an emotional occasion on Tuesday afternoon with the re-branding of its final race in honour of legendary figure Maureen Mullins, with her son Tony admitting that she will be in his ‘thoughts’.
The 5.30pm GMT race – previously known as the Grade Two National Hunt Chase – is named in homage to the matriarch of the great Irish racing family, who died last month at the age of 94.
Mullins, who was a winning rider, and an owner and breeder – passed at her family home in Goresbridge, County Kilkenny after a short illness.
In light of what she and her family have achieved in the sport, Cheltenham Festival announced earlier this month of their fitting tribute to Mrs Mullins.
And speaking about the upcoming race, one of her five children Tony stated that it will be especially poignant for him.
Tony Mullins has opened up about Cheltenham Festival re-naming a race in honour of his mum
Maureen Mullins (centre right, pictured with her family) died last month at the age of 94
Mullins (pictured with her son Willie, far left, and grandson Patrick, centre) was part of an Irish family that has left an undeniable mark on the sport of horse racing
Looking ahead to the week of racing on The Ultimate Cheltenham 2024 Preview Night, brought to you by Paddy Power; Mullins said of that forthcoming race: ‘It’s going to be a very interesting race this year.
‘It’s just been announced this morning that it’s going to be called after my late mother: The Mrs Maureen Mullins Four Mile Chase so I’ll be watching it with my thoughts for her.’
Tony and his four siblings are steeped in racing pedigree like their mother – who was known by many as the ‘first lady of Irish racing’ and father.
Their late dad Paddy, who passed in 2010, rode plenty of Festival winners which included the great mare Dawn Run, the only horse in history to win the Champion Hurdle (1984) and the Cheltenham Gold Cup (1986).
Tony’s brother Willie has saddled a record 94 winners at Jump racing’s Olympics prior to this year’s Cheltenham. Tony and fellow sibling Tom have also enjoyed success as trainers at The Festival while grandsons Patrick, Danny and Emmet have all ridden Festival winners.
Speaking about the change of name last month, Ian Renton, Managing Director, West, The Jockey Club, said: ‘The National Hunt Chase has a long tradition of commemorating some of Jump racing’s most famous names and we are delighted that the Mullins family has agreed to have the historic contest run in honour of Maureen Mullins in 2024.
‘A true stalwart of Jump racing, Maureen Mullins was a regular visitor to The Festival and her sad passing last month leaves a big void. We hope that putting her name to the National Hunt Chase celebrates her tremendous legacy in the appropriate way.’
Tony Mullins says his ‘thoughts’ will be with his mother come the 5.30pm GMT start on Tuesday
As for the race itself this year, Embassy Gardens, which is trained by Willie and will be ridden by grandson Patrick, are the bookies’ favourite with Paddy Power at 5/4.
However, there is a big threat lurking from within the Mullins family, with Emmet Mullins’ Corbetts Cross (2/1 second favourite with Paddy Power) another Irish raider predicted to play a leading part.
‘It was very kind of Cheltenham to name the National Hunt Chase after granny and I think Embassy Gardens is going to have a huge chance,’ said Patrick Mullins.
‘However, I think my cousin Emmet might have the edge with Corbetts Cross – his form looks that bit stronger, but I guess his prep has not been ideal.
‘Hopefully one of us can do it, but I would prefer it if it was me.’
It could be an extra-special week in the Cotswolds for the Mullins family, with the master of Closutton just six away from becoming the first trainer to reach three figures at the Festival.
Patrick Mullins is keen to pay tribute not only to his father but also his grandparents, who provided the template for the all-conquering dynasty that dominates today.
One of Mullins’ five children Willie is on the verge of 100 winners at Cheltenham Festival
Her grandson Patrick will be hoping to honour her by winning while riding Embassy in the race
‘It’s an incredible landmark and I suppose the expanded Festival is what makes numbers like that possible. But for him to be the first trainer to get to it (100 winners) would be very special,’ he added.
‘We’re very lucky and we obviously lost my grandmother Maureen recently and herself and grandad built the foundations going back to Dawn Run, and even further back Vulpine and Counsel Cottage. There’s a lot of history and lots to be proud of.’
Since his first Festival triumph with Tourist Attraction in 1995, Willie Mullins has unleashed an array of top equine talent on the Cotswolds and has walked away with the leading trainer award 10 times in the last 13 years.