WILLIE MULLINS has declared an army of superstars for his epic Sandown showdown – including an ‘extraordinary’ runner not seen for a year.
The all-conquering Irish trainer is throwing the kitchen sink at the final day of the jumps season in a bid to overhaul Dan Skelton and claim a second jumps trainer title.
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Mullins trails his big rival by just under £25,000 at the time of writing.
But the Closutton boss is 1-12 to get the better of him at Sandown – after forcing ITV bosses into a broadcasting change in anticipation of his crowning.
It’s testament to his simply unmatchable strength in depth that Mullins didn’t include all his A-listers for Sandown.
To the relief of commentator Simon Holt, Lossiemouth won’t take on Lossiemouth in the Grade 2 Select Hurdle – neither were declared.
But Mullins has flooded the bet365 Gold Cup – the feature and richest race of the day – with NINE of the 20 runners.
His domination of the field means Skelton won’t have a runner in the big contest.
Among the other Galacticos to line up will be recent Grade 1 scorer Gaelic Warrior in the Grade 1 Oaksey Chase.
While Minella Cocooner will be back to defend his Gold Cup crown alongside Grand National third Grangeclare West, Grade 1 monster Dancing City, High Class Hero, Lombron, Olympic Man, O’Moore Park, Spanish Harlem and Chosen Witness.
It is in the Celebration Chase, however, we see one big name make a long-awaited return.
Four-time Grade 1 winner Il Etait Temps makes his track comeback for the first time since winning the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase at Punchestown on May 2 last year.
Labelled an ‘extraordinary’ horse by his trainer, Il Etait Temps is one of two in the race for Mullins alongside former Champion Chase king Energumene.
Both will be tasked with taking on defending champion Jonbon, who will be ridden by Mark Walsh owing to Nico de Boinville’s injuries.
More to follow.
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