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"Willie has been happy with her" - Could Mullins mastermind another Classic win?

jon-vine
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Last updated: 16 Jul 2024
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Jon Vine 16 Jul 2024
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  • Willie Mullins runs Lope De Lilas in the Irish Oaks on Saturday
  • Wicklow Brave won the Irish St Leger for Willie in 2016
  • Wathnan Racing's Richard Brown provides quotes on their Classic contender
willie mullins
Willie Mullins with his Champion Trainer trophy at Sandown Park. (Getty)

Champion National Hunt trainer, Willie Mullins is looking to add to his Classic collection this weekend, as Lope De Lilas carries a short price into the 2024 Irish Oaks.

In jumps racing, Willie Mullins is the dominant force. Last season, Mullins became the first Irish trainer to be crowned Britain's Champion Jumps Trainer, following a stunning series of victories at Cheltenham, Aintree and Sandown.

Willie is no stranger to success on the flat either. In 2016, Wicklow Brave took down hot-favourite Order Of St George to land the Irish version of the St Leger, which is open to older horses, as well as three-year-old.

This weekend, Mullins will have his first opportunity to win a genuine three-year-old Classic. Lope De Lilas - who was snapped up by Watar owners Wathnan Racing following an exceptional maiden win at Leopardstown - is currently the second-favourite for Saturday's Irish Oaks, and Wathnan's racing manager Richard Brown provided an update on the stable's star filly on Tuesday.

"The Irish Oaks is the plan with Lope De Lilas." Brown said. "James (Doyle) is flying over on Tuesday to ride her in her last piece of work. As long as everything goes smoothly during the week then the plan is for her to run on Saturday.

"She was impressive in the way she travelled through the race at Leopardstown and she was very strong at the line. She galloped out nicely and saw out the trip well. It's a huge ask as it is a massive step up from a maiden to a Classic, but we're looking forward to it.

"Willie has been happy with her and this was the immediate plan after she won at Leopardstown. He knows what he's doing and we're more than happy to be guided by him. He feels she's ready for the step up, but it is a huge ask and we'll get a better idea of how good she is after Saturday.

"I think the step up in trip should be okay given she was strong at the line on debut. It takes a fair bit of getting at the Curragh, but hopefully, it will suit."

"It's fantastic to have a horse with Willie. I've never had any dealings with him before but everyone said to me that he's a total gentleman to deal with and it's absolutely true. We're excited to have one in training with him.

Aidan O'Brien's Port Fairy is the favourite for Saturday's Irish Oaks, following her victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. Lope De Lilas is available at 6/1 with most bookmakers. The full betting for the 2024 Irish Oaks can be found here on our website.

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