WILLIE MULLINS burned more than a few fingers when he pulled a huge Cheltenham Festival fancy out after his odds collapsed.
The Gigginstown-owned Storm Heart was vying for favouritism in the fiercely competitive County Handicap Hurdle.
GettyWillie Mullins’ horse Storm Heart doesn’t have any Cheltenham entries having been among the favourites for the County Hurdle[/caption]
Storm Heart was last seen finishing a length second to the extremely well-in McLaurey in a Dublin Racing Festival handicap.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact [email protected]
Gaining ground all the way to the post, the five-year-old gelding was only just denied conceding the winner a massive 20lbs.
Punters immediately picked Storm Heart out as an ideal County Hurdle type – won in the past by the likes of Mullins’ stars Absurde, State Man and Saint Roi.
And he was backed into as short as 8-1 having previously been as big as 33-1.
But, to the heartbreak of punters, the horse was missing entirely as entries were made for all the handicaps on Tuesday.
It is not immediately clear if Storm Heart, who has no future entries, picked up an injury or if the County was no longer the right race for him.
Punters saw some cracking looking bets go down the drain though, with one having backed Storm Heart at 33s.
Mullins is still mob-handed in the County, which is run on Friday, March 14, the final day of the four-day Festival.
Absurde will look to defend his title and has been joined in the line up by the likes of Batman Girac, Daddy Long Legs and the Tony Bloom-owned Bunting.
Absurde’s owners could also run the highly-fancied Ethical Diamond, while Mullins also has Gala Marceau, Gaucher, Highwind, Hunters Yarn, Jimmy Du Seuil, Karafon, Kargese and Karniquet.
Potential superstar Kopeck De Mee is now 6-1 favourite for the race – one of three contests he is now leading the market for.
While Stormbreaker and Tounsivator complete the Mullins squad.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
