'I really can't wait. It's hugely exciting' - Patrick Mullins eager to ride Min

1.40 Punchestown
John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1) | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV
Patrick Mullins has never ridden Min in a race but cannot wait to have a go on him for the first time as the nine-year-old bids to become the first horse to win this Grade 1 chase three times.

Ireland's most successful amateur jockey of all time has ridden some of his father's most prized possessions over the years, including the outstanding Douvan, but he has never ridden Min before. Until now.

With Paul Townend choosing to head south to Cork to partner Champion Chase favourite Chacun Pour Soi in the Hilly Way, the ride on Min was up for grabs and Mullins is the chosen one.

The jockey, who has never won this race previously, said: "I really can't wait. It's hugely exciting. He's been a brilliant horse over the years and hugely consistent at the highest level for a long time.

"He seems to be in great form at home and ready for the race. The problem is that he now has to try to fend off another bunch of new novices. That won't be easy, but he's a very good horse and he's in very good form. I'm really looking forward to it."

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Allaho, Melon, Min and Tornado Flyer
Min looks the pick. He likes this track, he’s won this race twice and hopefully he’ll put on a show. However, I do think it’s a more competitive race this year. Allaho comes back to 2m4f and we’ll see how he goes over this trip. He’s in good form. Melon ran very well at Cheltenham, where he was just touched off. He was only beaten a nose and I do think he could well be better than his official rating. We’ll see what happens, but he could go up in trip after this. It'll be tough for Tornado Flyer to be competitive against these, but it gives him the chance to improve.

Sunday tipping selections:

Pricewise: Tom Segal believes it's worth taking on Mullins battalion in superb John Durkan (Members' Club subscribers)

Big-race Trends: Last year's John Durkan winner faces a tough task defending his crown (Members' Club subscribers)

View from Ireland: Leading John Durkan Chase hope worth supporting now for Ryanair glory at 10-1 (Members' Club subscribers)

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tip on Sundayafternoon

Sunday's free racing tips: super selections from our top team

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Battleoverdoyen
He was very good at Down Royal and we think this is his ideal trip.

Robbie Power, rider of Chris's Dream
He's not slow and has plenty of pace, so dropping back in trip won't be a worry. It was a great run from him at Down Royal – he did everything right bar win. He travelled and jumped super.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Le Richebourg
He's having his first run back after an extended layoff. It's just nice to get him back on track. Hopefully he'll put in a good round of jumping and give a positive showing that'll give us something to go forward with.

More Sunday previews:

Min is the John Durkan master – but David Jennings has spotted the apprentice (Members' Club subscribers)

Look here for Champion Chase clues as Willie Mullins ace Chacun Pour Soi returns

Why does Keith Melrose like the look of the home challenge in Borders National?

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