On the brink of an impressive 100 Cheltenham Festival victories, facing Willie Mullins in competition might understandably evoke some resentment from opponents. However, Gordon Elliott, perennially the runner-up to Mullins in the Irish championship and his most frequent challenger, harbours no such feelings.
Rather than bemoaning his position or labelling Mullins as "boring," as some did after all eight Grade Ones at the Dublin Racing Festival went to the Closutton maestro, Elliott embraces the rivalry. He sees it as a catalyst for growth, pushing both himself and Mullins to greater achievements.
Elliott, who has been Mullins' runner-up for eight to ten consecutive years in the trainers' championship, acknowledges the competitive dynamic. He believes they are not merely elevating Mullins but also fueling each other's hunger for success.
Elliott asserts that instead of criticising Mullins, individuals should strive to improve themselves and emulate his standard. He views Mullins as a benchmark, motivating others to excel and reach their full potential.
Reflecting on their competition, Elliott recalls a season where his team was the first to train 200 winners, only for Mullins to surpass them shortly after. Despite being in the same era as one of the greatest trainers in the sport, Elliott remains undeterred, committed to continuous improvement and striving for excellence.
Nicky Henderson, Mullins' closest rival in Festival victories, acknowledges the remarkable feat of potentially reaching a century of wins. Despite trailing Mullins in the tally, Henderson admires his friend and competitor's success, recognizing the quality of his team and resources. Henderson acknowledges the challenge of competing against Mullins but remains focused on maximising his strengths and opportunities.
Conversely, Fergal O'Brien, yet to secure a Festival win, takes a different approach. O'Brien's daughter, Fern, embraces the opportunity to work at Closutton, admiring the setup and learning from the successful operation. O'Brien acknowledges Mullins' dominance but attributes it to his strategic approach, skilled horsemanship, and effective horse procurement.
Former jockey Robbie Power, now associated with Henry de Bromhead's stable, acknowledges Mullins' dominance but also appreciates the competitive spirit he brings to the races. Power notes Mullins' willingness to pit his top horses against each other, creating thrilling contests. He compares Mullins' diversified ownership structure to the more centralised control of Aidan O'Brien in Flat racing, highlighting the competitive edge it brings to the sport.