'He picks up. We’ll win this. Fact To File won’t get home. We’ll get him'

The top jockey relives the hope and disappointment of his near-miss in the Irish Gold Cup

Fact To File bounced back from a poor King George effort with a brilliant success at Leopardstown

Fact To File is well clear of Gaelic Warrior and Patrick Mullins on the Leopardstown run-inCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Ruby is riding Galopin Des Champs back down the gallop as we walk toward Willie. I’m behind him on Gaelic Warrior. It’s Tuesday and it’s raining. The gallop is heavy. Willie has his cap and gloves on. The string of 60-odd horses are following behind us, all blowing hard, all trailing steam behind them. Ruby reaches where Willie is standing.

“I was very happy with that.”

“So was I,” Willie replies. “Very happy.”

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on 4 February 2026inPatrick Mullins

Last updated 12:20, 4 February 2026

Copy