Patrick Mullins: 'He isn't pretty, he isn't flash, he isn't Constitution Hill. But right now, they have the same number of Champion Hurdles'

Patrick Mullins has thrown down the gauntlet to Constitution Hill ahead of what he feels could be "an absolute tinderbox" of a Champion Hurdle this season, pointing out that for all the flashiness of Nicky Henderson's superstar he still has only the same number of wins in the hurdling championship as State Man.

Mullins was writing for the The Big Jump Off, a 72-page pullout due to be published as part of Monday's Racing Post newspaper, in which he provides the latest on his father Willie's astonishing assortment of superstars for the season.

Constitution Hill went into last season as the biggest star in jump racing by some distance following an extraordinary victory in the 2022 Supreme Novices' Hurdle and an unbeaten campaign the following year that saw him land his first Champion. However, he was seen only once across the whole season and was ruled out of Cheltenham following a poor workout at Kempton in February.

State Man went on to claim his crown but didn't impress all observers in beating Irish Point by just over a length at odds of 2-5 with Henderson's Luccia a close third. The mare's proximity recently led Henderson, speaking at a recent owners' day, to say: "Constitution Hill would've been back in his box having dinner by the time they finished."

Pick up your copy of The Big Jump Off, packed with everything you need for the 2024-25 National Hunt season. Our 72-page supplement includes ante-post tips, pro punter insight, trainer and jockey analysis and much more. Grab your copy free in the Racing Post newspaper on Monday, October 21, also available via the Racing Post Digital Newspaper as part of Members' Club Ultimate, our unrivalled subscription package. You can also order a copy from the Racing Post Shop here.

Mullins has now hit back, writing: "State Man took advantage of Constitution Hill going for dinner rather than the racetrack last March. It was a perfect season, five from five. He isn't pretty, he isn't flash, he isn't Constitution Hill. But right now, they have the same number of Champion Hurdles. So let's hope they both get to keep their reservation come March."

Mullins also pointed out that State Man has stablemates who could also have a say in the race, adding: "Perhaps Lossiemouth will come and spoil the party. Or Mystical Power might emulate his mother, Annie Power, if he doesn't go chasing. It could be an absolute tinderbox of a race."

The Mullins yard has come to dominate the Triumph Hurdle in recent seasons, but rather than looking like Champion Hurdle horses in the mould of 2023 Triumph winner Lossiemouth, last season's top juveniles seem more likely to be seen to best effect when chasing, with Mullins excited about Cheltenham runner-up Kargese as well as the winner, Majborough.

"Majborough could follow in Djakadam's steps as a juvenile hurdler who could make into a Gold Cup horse," he writes. "He fills the eye and what he achieved last season was mind-blowing for the kind of horse he is.

"Kargese is not your typical juvenile either, being a fine, tall, strong mare. She was stupidly keen at Aintree but still gave Sir Gino a run for his money before coming back to triumph at Punchestown – one of several who showed that Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown can be done if the calendar falls right. If she consents to race more economically, she will be a threat to all. She will be more than a one-season wonder and I'd love to see her over a fence at some stage."

Read more from Patrick Mullins, plus the likes of Tom Segal, Mark Holder, Paul Kealy, James Willoughby and Johnny Dineen, in The Big Jump Off, a 72-page pullout published in Monday's Racing Post or available to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers as part of the digital newspaper from 9pm on Sunday.

Read more:

Henderson: Constitution Hill would have been having his dinner by the time State Man finished if he'd been fit for Cheltenham 

'Large' bet forces move in Constitution Hill ante-post Champion Hurdle price 

The jumps are back! Pick up your copy of The Big Jump Off, packed with everything you need to know for the 2024-25 National Hunt season. Our 72-page supplement includes ante-post tips from Pricewise expert Tom Segal and fellow judge Paul Kealy plus great insight from the likes of Johnny Dineen, Mark Holder and Patrick Mullins. Get your copy free in the Racing Post newspaper on Monday, October 21, also available via the Racing Post Digital Newspaper as part of Members' Club Ultimate, our unrivalled subscription package.