This year's National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival's opening day will pay tribute to the esteemed Maureen Mullins, who recently passed away at the age of 94. Maureen, a prominent figure in the racing world, belonged to a renowned family deeply rooted in the sport.
Not only was Maureen a successful rider, owner, and breeder in her own right, but she was also the wife of Paddy Mullins, the trainer behind the legendary Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup-winning mare Dawn Run. Together, they raised a family immersed in racing, including notable trainers Tom, Tony, and Willie Mullins, the latter now a leading figure in Irish National Hunt racing and a prominent presence at the Cheltenham Festival.
Maureen's grandsons Danny, Emmet, and Patrick have all tasted victory at the illustrious Festival, with Patrick, in particular, securing the top spot in the National Hunt Chase four times under the guidance of his father Willie, establishing himself as the race's most successful jockey.
Ian Renton of The Jockey Club expressed his delight at having the Mullins family's approval to dedicate the historic National Hunt Chase to Maureen Mullins in 2024, continuing the tradition of honouring significant figures in Jump racing. Renton praised Maureen's unwavering commitment to the sport, noting her regular attendance at the Festival and the profound impact her loss has left.
Willie Mullins conveyed the family's gratitude and pride in having a race named in honour of his mother, highlighting Maureen's deep connection to Cheltenham and her cherished memories of the event. Tony Mullins echoed the sentiment, affirming that the National Hunt Chase is a fitting tribute to a remarkable figure known for her enduring legacy in the world of racing.