An Irishman Abroad

A weekend in Paris in late spring is never heavy going, but that’s what Willie Mullins found when he arrived in Auteuil last Saturday week with seven horses for company.

Would it suit him, as he tried to translate his Irish and English success into French?

Hippodrome D'Auteuil is just over an hour’s stroll from Notre Dame, a little longer if one follows the Seine. It is the home of French jump racing. This was the biggest meeting of the year.

Mullins’ first attempt to splash green over the Tricolour ended in disappointment as Instit, ridden by Paul Townend, could only manage fourth at 100/30 in the Prix D’Arles, a Listed hurdle for fillies and mares. The trainer felt she pulled a bit and would be better next season.

Next up was a Grade 1 hurdle, 3 miles 1 furlong, and Mullins had three. They were: Klassical Dream, 9/4 second fav (‘he’s a very difficult ride, we just don’t know’), Kemboy 12/1, with Rachael Blackmore aboard (‘he probably likes goodish ground’) and St George winner Tornado Flyer, 14/1 (‘he has been a little disappointing’).

Kemboy was prominent but, as Mullins explained, he ‘lacked the class’ to stay with them as the race got serious. Tornado Flyer was last early, jumped badly but managed seventh. Paul Townend nearly gave Klassical Dream the perfect ride, finishing for a full circuit having been dropped right out. Second was a decent result and, as Willie said, ‘the winner was very good’.

Paris is a not unpleasant place in which to kick one’s talons, especially on a balmy evening, and Willie Mullins had 23 hours between races. Did he walk to the boutique 5-star L’Hotel, 50 yards south of the river on the tiny Rue Des Beaux Arts which, as the 1-star Hotel D’Alsace in 1900, was the place Oscar Wilde died? A thoughtful drink may be had in the cafe opposite.

Oysters in St Germain de Pres go down well, and a cognac or two is obligatory as one ambles home. There is plenty of time in the morning to refocus the mind.

The Grand Steeple-chase De Paris is run over 3 miles 6 furlongs and Mullins had never won it. Al Boum Photo was aiming to be just the third horse to win both this race and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. ‘You never know’ said the trainer, ‘he might take a shine to Auteuil and be competitive’.

Racheal was riding Burrows Saint, fifth in the race three years ago. ‘My worry with him is that he hasn’t produced his best this season’, said the trainer. ‘Franco De Port is a shot in the dark. On ratings he would not be good enough’.

Prices on the morning were 3/1 favourite, 12/1 and 10/1.

The trainer had laughed doubtfully (almost with a gallic shrug) and suggested that this might not be his year, as though he knew his favourite wasn't quite up for it. Al Boum Photo travelled badly and was pulled up. ‘You could see that he wasn’t enjoying it’.

Burrows Saint jumped well but there was ‘no fire’. That has been the problem lately, according to the trainer. But Franco De Port, a running on 13-length third, was a very pleasant shock. Mullins had expected the horse to be sold but those plans may be revised. A possible run in the Grand National or this race again next year are on the cards.

Thus, with some handy place money, it was au revoir Auteuil (not goodbye forever).