Patrick Mullins: Boum will be back with a bang and Faugheen still burning bright

Patrick Mullins sees no reason why Al Boum Photo cannot emulate Best Mate by winning three Cheltenham Gold Cups, while the champion amateur also revealed the flame in Faugheen is still burning bright and there is no talk of retirement.

Mullins was talking via Zoom as part of Horse Racing Ireland's launch of the jumps season and expects his father Willie to stick to the tried and tested approach with the horse who ended the stable's Gold Cup hoodoo in 2019 before defending the crown so tenaciously in March.

Patrick Mullins said: "If I could have one wish this season it would be Al Boum Photo winning a third Gold Cup. I don't think we'll ever be in that position again. It's a very privileged and rare position to be in.

"He doesn't really stand out from the crowd. He's not overly big or long or flashy. He's got quite plain markings. He's not a fantastic jumper, but at Cheltenham in March he just doesn't miss.

Al Boum Photo (right) and Lostintranslation jump the last in the Gold CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I can't see any reason why he can't do it again with a bit of luck in running. I'd imagine you will see him back as usual at Tramore on New Year's Day."

The evergreen Faugheen, who becomes a teenager on New Year's Day, is not finished either. Mullins said: "Faugheen is back in and he's 100 per cent. John Codd, who looks after him and rides him out, is over the moon with him. He's pulling his arms out.

"We'll train him as normal and, if he shows us he's still got the same enthusiasm and ability as he had last year, we'll go again. If he doesn't then so be it, he doesn't owe anyone anything. I'd look at his form rather than his age.

"Obviously, it would be the dream to see him turn up in a Gold Cup, it would be incredible, but he could be a Ryanair horse and there are plenty of good races away from Cheltenham too. All options are open to him.

"We've had him since he was four. If John Codd thinks the fire is going out he will tell us straight away but he thinks it's burning brightly at the moment."

Faugheen parades before the Marsh Novices' ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Chacun Por Soi missed the Champion Chase with a bruised foot in March and all roads lead back to the Cotswolds.

Mullins said: "Chacun got a bruised foot at Cheltenham. He must have stood on a stone or something. It's 24-36 hours recovery time. He couldn't put any pressure on his foot and it was just a case of really bad timing. He could have gone to Punchestown no problem.

"I'd imagine his season will be similar to last year and we'll try get him back to the Champion Chase. We have some unfinished business to take care of.

"Min is a very underrated horse and I thought his performance at Leopardstown when Chacun beat him was as good as any performance last year. To me, he's our best chance of winning a Champion Chase."

Leading Champion Hurdle hope Saint Roi "could be anything", according to Mullins, who said there is plenty for his father to look forward to over the coming months.

"After coming off seven winners at Cheltenham, you'd have to be excited. I don't look at the team and think we're any weaker than previous years anyway. I'd be very happy if I were Willie," he added.

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