Mullins sets sights on Champion Hurdle honours at Plumpton

Willie Mullins is taking dead aim at Plumpton’s valuable two-day Easter fixture, as he hunts down Dan Skelton and attempts to retain his British champion trainer crown.

Having seemingly given up the ghost earlier in the year, his usual Cheltenham domination went before an unprecedented result in the Grand National when he saddled five of the first seven home, winning over £800,000.

Coupled with winning a host of other Grade Ones at the meeting, Mullins was suddenly within touching distance and declared the battle was on, before then enjoying a Scottish National one-two.

He perhaps did not make as much of an inroad into Skelton’s advantage as expected at Cheltenham’s two-day meeting this week, and is not represented in the UK on Saturday. But come Sunday and Plumpton’s BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle Handicap Hurdle, he most certainly is.

With Fairyhouse also staging a big meeting, Mullins is relying on the home team of jockeys for his four raiders.

Nico de Boinville wears the familiar Joe and Marie Donnelly silks on Daddy Long Legs, while fresh from winning the Scottish National on Mullins’ Captain Cody, Harry Cobden rides last year’s County Hurdle winner Absurde. Jonjo O’Neill jr, who won the Triumph Hurdle on 100-1 shot Poniros for the yard, partners Sir Gerhard and Sam Twiston-Davies is on Tounsivator.

Skelton runs Knickerbockerglory and Aintree winner She’s A Saint.

Plumpton’s chief executive Craig Staddon said: “We are over the moon with Willie’s entries for both Sunday and Monday, which adds another dimension to what was already promising to be a really competitive weekend of racing.

“As a small racecourse, we have put in a lot of effort organising these two days and hopefully everyone who decides to join us will be in for a treat.”

Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: “The fantastic prize-money on offer is a real credit to everyone at Plumpton. I enjoyed my visit there last month and we are looking forward to sending a team over this weekend.”

Mullins also runs King Alexander and Mr Escobar in the Phoenix Cycles Remember Ray Prior Handicap Hurdle later on the card.