FeaturePatrick Mullins
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We came, we saw, we left with our tails between our legs - but I've never seen anything quite like it
The Closutton assistant trainer with his diary from an ultimately unsuccessful trip to Melbourne

Patrick MullinsJockey

Vauban before finishing unplaced in the Melbourne CupCredit: Vince Caligiuri (Getty Images)
“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”
Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz
Saturday
The plane lands with a thump. I’ve just finished the first two Lord of the Rings films, leaving the last one for the return journey. David Mullins, Kieran Stokes and I are downstairs; Paul Byrne is upstairs. It’s a recurring life theme.
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Published on 14 November 2023inPatrick Mullins
Last updated 16:00, 14 November 2023
more inPatrick Mullins
- 'I want to be sick. I want to cry. I want to punch something. My golden opportunity has evaporated'
- One of those bloody days as I get Galwayed on Plate day - but I suppose it could be worse
- A magical day at Royal Ascot - and Vauban might just have enough weight for me to ride him in Melbourne now!
- A fall (or was it a UR?), a bumper I can't even remember and a late-night trip to the hospital
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more inPatrick Mullins
- 'I want to be sick. I want to cry. I want to punch something. My golden opportunity has evaporated'
- One of those bloody days as I get Galwayed on Plate day - but I suppose it could be worse
- A magical day at Royal Ascot - and Vauban might just have enough weight for me to ride him in Melbourne now!
- A fall (or was it a UR?), a bumper I can't even remember and a late-night trip to the hospital
- Running gear on, two laps of the Mildmay and 2lb lost - but still no call from Willie