Emmet Mullins pondering Cheltenham Festival run for Winday

Emmet Mullins is already thinking of a Cheltenham Festival tilt with his Prix Chaudenay third Winday, who could be become a flagship dual-purpose performer for the handler when he makes his switch to Jim Bolger’s historic Coolcullen Stables in the new year.

Trained by Mullins as a juvenile, the son of Galiway switched to Michael Seror in France for three appearances over obstacles earlier this year before returning to the Irishman’s care where he soon opened his account with the minimum of fuss at Ffos Las.

He was immediately thrown into deeper waters for a crack at the Doncaster Cup and although his visit to Town Moor ended in disappointment, he gave a real glimpse of the potential connections have seen when making the podium at ParisLongchamp in Group Two company on Arc weekend.

Mullins said: “It was a great run and he didn’t behave the best the time before at Doncaster and had a nightmare with the stalls and we pitched him in there, the Doncaster Cup was probably a tall order against Caballo De Mar.

“We were keen to put a line through Doncaster and leave that run behind him, and it was good to see him do that and behave much better in Longchamp.

“He was able to show a lot more what we think of him and we’d be hopeful that next season he will be able to develop into a nice cup horse.”

Before further assignments on the Flat however, attentions could return to obstacles in the spring and with three races over timber already under his belt, a trip to Prestbury Park fighting fresh could be on the agenda where both the Fred Winter and Triumph Hurdle represent four-year-old opportunities.

“He could possibly try his hand jumping and he’s already qualified for Cheltenham as he’s had three runs over hurdles in Auteuil,” explained Mullins.

“He will get a little break now and he could be ready for something at Cheltenham in March and kick on again to the Flat from then. Hopefully there is bigger and better days ahead.”