Gaelic Warrior

Trained by Willie Mullins at his powerhouse yard in Muine Bheag, Co Carlow — a yard that has sent out 230 winners this season alone — Gaelic Warrior has been given every opportunity to show what he can do at the very highest level. Three of his twelve wins have come in top-tier Class 1 races, the cream of British and Irish racing, and he has won at a 50% rate at that level. That is extraordinary when you consider that Class 1 fields are assembled from the very best horses around. He won at Cheltenham in March 2024, at Aintree in April 2025, and at Sandown just days later — three of the most prestigious venues in the sport, ticked off in sequence.

His relationship with jockey Paul Townend is one of the most productive partnerships in the sport. Together they have won 9 of their 14 races — a win rate of 64%, or almost 2 in every 3. After winning at Cheltenham, Mullins described the performance as "just spectacular", saying the horse "got everything right and put in a tremendous round of jumping." High praise from a trainer who has seen rather a lot of good horses.

Punchestown, though, is where Gaelic Warrior truly looks at home. He has won 4 of his 6 races there — including this week, making it his most recent run — and the track seems to bring out something extra in him. Four wins from six at one course is not luck; it suggests a horse who genuinely thrives on that particular layout and atmosphere.

The question now surrounding him is one of distance and ambition. Mullins has spoken openly about whether he goes for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham or steps up for the Gold Cup, noting that the horse "definitely stays three and a quarter miles" if needed. Whatever direction is chosen, Gaelic Warrior has earned his place in the conversation about the very best horses in training.