Poniros

Willie Mullins, whose yard at Muine Bheag in Co Carlow has sent out a staggering 230 winners this season alone, was candid about his expectations heading into that Cheltenham race. The team had bought Poniros, schooled him, given him a break, and essentially dusted him off for the occasion. Mullins didn't expect much more than a respectable run. What he got instead was Poniros flying through the middle of a competitive field to win at the sport's most famous venue. "I couldn't believe it," Mullins admitted afterwards — which, coming from one of the most decorated trainers in the game, tells you everything about how unexpected it was.

Part of what made it possible is that Poniros arrived in his current yard with experience already banked, having come from flat racing. That background means he already understood the basics of competing — how to settle, how to race — before he ever jumped a hurdle or fence. Mullins noted that was "a huge advantage," and the Cheltenham result suggests he was right. His first win had come at Nottingham back in October 2023, which set the foundation, but stepping up to Class 1 level and delivering at Cheltenham was a different matter entirely.

His recent form reads 1-2-17-3-6-6 from the last six races (most recent last), and there is an obvious dip in the middle of that sequence — a run of 17th that stands out. But the Cheltenham win bookends it nicely. He has had 36 days off since that victory, a short breather rather than a lengthy absence. Interestingly, he has never won at Class 2 level — the tier just below the top — going 0 from 5 in those races. That quirk suggests he may be a horse who either needs the very best company to bring out his best, or simply finds that middle ground slightly awkward. Either way, with Punchestown mentioned as a likely next target after Cheltenham, his the yard clearly believe there is more to come.