Acapella Bourgeois set to join Mullins

Acapella Bourgeois, emphatic winner of the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan in February, is to join Willie Mullins following the decision of Sandra Hughes to retire from training.

Twice a winner at Grade 2 level over hurdles, the seven-year-old is a dual chase winner and put up an impressive performance over three miles at Navan in February when trouncing his rivals by 32 lengths in the Ten Up Novice Chase.

Mullins, crowned champion trainer last month, said: "The Slaneyville Syndicate, owners of Acapella Bourgeois, have asked me to train the horse and I'm delighted. He'll be a very nice addition to the yard. He'll be going into training with us in the autumn."

Sent off at 5-1 for the RSA Chase won by Might Bite, Acapella Bourgeois did not enjoy the experience and was tailed off. He also failed to fire at Punchestown and is a general 50-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.