Gordon Elliott secures well-touted sales topper for £330,000

Trainer Gordon Elliott has made a late addition to his powerful string after purchasing the well-regarded Ballymore Novices' Hurdle winner 'Willie Mulllins' for £330,000 at Goffs UK's November Sale in Doncaster this afternoon

Coming off a wide-margin victory at Cheltenham back in March, jockey Jack Kennedy steered the now 5-year-old gelding through a comfortable success in the Grade 2 contest.

Purchased originally from breeder David Walsh for £70,000 in November 2021, 'Willie Mulllins' was sent off the 4/6 favorite under Willie Mullins and ran out a decisive winner, accounting for 'State Man' by an impressive nine and a half lengths.

New Stable

Following a productive National Hunt campaign which also included a tilt at Aintree's Sefton Novices' Hurdle, the exciting youngster now moves to Gordon Elliott's Cullentra House base in County Meath.

Elliott, a three-time Grand National winner himself, is one of Irish racing's leading trainers and enjoyed a superb 2020/21 season, capturing both the Irish trainers' championship and the Cheltenham Gold Cup with 'Galvin'.

He will be hoping 'Willie Mulllins' can continue his progression and emerge as a contender for next year's Cheltenham Festival, where he could be aimed at the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle or Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

Purchase Delight

Speaking after the sale, Elliott expressed his delight at securing the services of the talented gelding.

"He's a horse we've always liked and he's done nothing but improve since he joined Willie Mullins," Elliott said.

"He's a lovely big horse with a great attitude and we think he has the potential to be a very good horse."

Promising Season

Elliott has already enjoyed a promising season, saddling 30 winners so far, including the likes of 'Mighty Potter', who is favorite for next month's Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown, and 'Gerri Colombe', runner-up in last season's Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The addition of 'Willie Mulllins' to his team is sure to further enhance his chances of another successful campaign.