Trainer Seamus Mullins has cast doubt on a potential Cheltenham cross-country comeback for his seasoned chaser Tommie Beau following a dramatic turn of events in the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Handicap last week.
The nine-year-old, a 100-30 favourite under jockey Micheal Nolan, was making his debut over Cheltenham's unique cross-country course. Displaying superb jumping and holding a strong position heading into the final stages, disaster struck when a miscommunication saw Tommie Beau slip through an opening in the rail and veer off course.
Forced to pull up, Nolan’s day worsened with a subsequent 12-day suspension for the error, while French-trained Sweet David went on to claim victory.
“They both looked to be enjoying themselves; it was just one of those things,” Mullins reflected. “When you enter these races, you know they’re different and things can go wrong. If the horse and rider are OK, that’s what matters—it’s just jump racing.”
Though Tommie Beau took to the cross-country challenge well, Mullins indicated a return to Cheltenham’s cross-country track is far from certain.
“We’re considering other options, including a trip to France and the London Grand National at Sandown,” Mullins said. “We might enter him for the December meeting, but I anticipate a much stronger field. The Festival race? That’s debatable—it’s not necessarily the owner’s or my cup of tea.”
Mullins also mentioned a potential target in Pau this February, leaving open the possibility of international ventures over another cross-country appearance at Cheltenham.
“Nothing is set in stone, but I wouldn’t say he’s a definite runner in the cross-country race at Cheltenham again this season,” Mullins concluded.
For now, Tommie Beau's promising adaptability to unconventional courses leaves plenty of opportunities for Mullins to explore both domestically and abroad.