The Mullins-Dettori alliance is set to take aim at the Cup once again. As a trainer Willie has won just about every major prize in Ireland, most of the big ones in the UK and several in France as well for good measure. The Grand National, The King George, The Champion Hurdle in England, Ireland and France and also numerous races in Royal Ascot and a 2nd in the Gold Cup. His Wicklow Brave is all set to deliver a big run at Flemington in a week’s time.
Secretariat’s World gets an exclusive interview ahead of the big Melbourne Cup race.
Q – Tell us about Wicklow Brave, where is he now? What’s his conditioning like and how’s he doing in Melbourne?
A- He’s a lovely looking horse. He’s been in Melbourne for a month now and he’s settled into Melbourne very well. He likes his own way sometimes but is very good at battling such as he’s done with the Order Of St George in last month’s Irish St Leger. We hope he will finish in the top six.
Q – We hear that as part of his preparation Wicklow Brave is getting plenty of practice coming out of the stalls at the Werribee training centre. How much weight is he carrying? And how do you feel about it?
A - Although he’s carrying a lot of weight 56kg, he’s earned it!
Q – Are there any horses you are particularly concerned about?
A – Being a handicap, it’s a very competitive field. There isn’t any horse in particular at this stage.
Q – Wicklow Brave’s stable mate Clondaw Warrior was another potential Melbourne cup contender. Where is he up to?
A – Clondow Warrior is preparing for winter hurdles. Infact the whole team is waiting for the winter season to start. The winter has yet to get going, the ground isn’t soft enough yet. Usually winter breaks by first November.
Q – And from there? What are your plans? Anyone going to Dubai? A – Both Wicklow Brave and Clondaw Warrior may be going down to Dubai. Max Dynamite who was 2nd in Melbourne last year might go too. But nothing has been set in stone yet.
Q – You’ve been to Melbourne before, what’s the experience like? A – I’ve been to Melbourne before. I did get a chance to see Melbourne when I was last here. I was taken with the very modern architecture of their new buildings and also the amount of sporting facilities available for the population of Melbourne. The Melbourne Cup has an atmosphere of its own. It has to be experienced to be believed.
Q – Who is accompanying you down under this year?
A – My wife and son are expected to join me. My wife runs the business side of things including our breeding operation. My son Patrick has been champion amateur jockey for the past 7-8 seasons. Although he’s very tall, he keeps his weight in check. He is also assistant trainer to me.
Q – Who is your all-time favourite horse?
A – I’d have to say Hurricane Fly. He was a very fast top hurdler with 22 grade one wins. He was a sharp jumper always ready for a battle. We didn’t run him on the flat because I felt it would make him too keen for jumping at champion hurdle level. (Hurricane Fly is a small bay horse with a white star bred in Ireland by the Italian Agricola Del Parco. He is one of many top-class horses sired by Montjeu.)