'Hopefully the clue is in the name' - Willie Mullins sends out runner named after famous Closutton yard

Willie Mullins unleashes a debutante with a name to note when Closutton lines up in the bumper at Downpatrick (5.20) on Tuesday.

Closutton is the home of the reigning British and Irish champion trainer and also the name of the five-year-old mare to be ridden by the trainer’s Grand National-winning son Patrick at the County Down track.

Closutton, who was also bred by Patrick Mullins, is being leased to the Whitegrass Racing Syndicate, with Airlie Beach, a winner of the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle for the yard, among her siblings.

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Liam Cullinane, a member of the Whitegrass Racing Syndicate, said: "We're leasing her off Patrick Mullins. He named her so hopefully the clue is in the name. 

"She was named last year and she wasn’t considered strong enough to go to the track. We're eventually getting her out this year and we'll keep our fingers crossed that she can be there or thereabouts.

Airlie Beach: Grade 1-winning sister to ClosuttonCredit: Caroline Norris

"We had her in training all of last season but she was weak and we've given her a bit of time so hopefully that pays off. We're hopeful but I'm not going to say that we're supremely confident. 

"The pedigree is there, there has been a lot of winners from the family, including Airlie Beach. It's a good family and she has a lot to live up to given her name and pedigree."

It is not the first example of an Irish training heavyweight having a runner named after their base. Closutton's debut comes ten years after Aidan O'Brien won for the first time with a horse called Ballydoyle, who went on to win at Group 1 level and finish second to Minding in the 1,000 Guineas.

"Patrick said she's working nicely but we're not hearing anything that she's a superstar at the same time. If she puts a one beside her name she's done the job for him and for us," said Cullinane. 

"He named her probably with the intention that he will breed from her in the long term and hopefully she can win a few races."

Read more . . .

Breaking new ground as Willie Mullins and I leave Deauville with less than we bargained for 

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