Forum members – please forgive the odd grammatical or spelling errors.
It’s not my intention to “highjack” a Paul Townend thread to pull back the curtain on Willie Mullins success at the hands of the French, but since I find myself with a little extra time on my hands, I thought I would validate my previous post.
Willie’s all-time top earners (source Google AI, not inclusive):
Galopin Des Champs (FR) – bought out of A Chaille-Chaille’s yard.
Hurricane Fly (IRE) – bought out of J-L Pelletran’s yard.
Un De Sceaux (FR) – bought out of F Foucher’s yard.
State Man (FR) – bought out of Daniela Mele’s yard.
Energumene (FR) – bought from an Irish points trainer.
Thousand Stars (FR) – originally with two French trainers obtained from a nondescript Irish trainer.
Faugheen (IRE) – Private Irish purchase.
I Am Maximus (FR) – transferred from Nicky Henderson.
Vauban (FR) – bought out of P Decouz’s yard.
Quevega (FR) – bought out of B De Watrigant’s yard.
So just from that list: 8 of 10 are French bred/recruits.
Willie’s top earners for 25/26 in Ireland/UK (Racing Post):
Galopin Des Champs (FR) – bought out of A Chaille-Chaille’s yard.
Lossiemouth (FR) – bought out of Yannick Fouin’s yard.
Gaelic Warrior (GER, FR sire/dam) bought out of H De Lageneste & G Macaire’s yard.
Fact To File (FR) – JP purchase from Irish points.
Il Etait Temps (FR) – bought out of Emmanuel Clayeux’s yard.
Majborough (FR) – bought out of Daniela Mele’s yard.
Doctor Steinberg (IRE) – bought as unbrokenstore horse at auction.
Narciso Has (FR) – bought out of M Rolland’s yard.
Place De La Nation (FR) – bought out of Yannich Fouin’s yard.
Spanish Harlem (FR) – bought out of Gabriel Leenders’ yard.
Kalix Delabarriere (FR) – prepped for sale by French breeders, sold at Goff’s auction.
Kaid d’Authie (FR) – bought out of Daniela Mele’s yard.
King Rasko Grey (FR) – prepped for sale by French breeders, sold at Goff’s auction.
Dinoblue (FR) – prepped for private sale by French breeders.
I Am Maximus (FR) – transferred from Nicky Henderson
Kitzbuhel (FR) – bought out of D Sourdeau De Beauregard’s yard.
Kargese (FR) – bought out of D Sourdeau De Beauregard’s yard.
Gold Dancer (FR) – bought out of A Chaille-Chaille’s yard.
Apolon De Charnie (FR) – bought out of Yannich Fouin’s yard.
From this list 16 French bred, 1 German (FR sire/dam), 1 Irish, 0 Uk. 16 of 18 were recruited from French trainers.
This isn’t even a close call. The French are easily “top of the table” when it comes to Jumps racing.