Fan De Blues

Both of those wins came in a tight two-month window back in the autumn of 2022 — first at Ballinrobe in August, then at Cork in October. After the Cork win, trainer Willie Mullins was in bullish mood, suggesting the horse might be better than his official rating and that getting his head in front could be the start of something. He also pointed out that Fan De Blues had struggled with his jumping at Cork but came good when his jockey gave him real assistance in the closing stages — which tells you something about what kind of ride this horse needs. He is not one who does it all himself; he responds to encouragement.

Mullins had figured out around that time that Fan De Blues is at his best kept to around two miles, jumping sharp and getting on with it, rather than being asked to grind out a longer trip. The trainer spoke approvingly of his quick, busy style — a horse who likes to get about his business. That tactical clarity seemed to unlock those two wins. Since then, however, the wins have dried up completely, with Fan De Blues going 42 months and six races without returning to the winner's enclosure. His most recent result was an eighth-place finish, and his last run was just yesterday, which means he is very much still in training and still being asked the question.

What keeps the story interesting is Mullins' observation after the Galway win — that once a horse gets the habit of winning, it can change them. That habit never quite took hold. But at 11, still racing, still placing, Fan De Blues is clearly a horse the yard believes has something left to offer.