Mullins cautiously optimistic regarding Kemboy

Trainer Willie Mullins is cautiously optimistic that Kemboy can mount a serious challenge to win Sunday’s Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

The Grade 1 race is the highlight of day two at the Dublin Racing Festival and Mullins knows all about winning the contest, as he has triumphed a record 10 times in the past, most recently with Bellshill in 2019.

Kemboy and Melon give Mullins a strong hand for this year’s renewal as well, with the former expected to particularly challenge after he finished runner-up to Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work in the race 12 months ago.

The nine-year-old has also finished second on both his starts this season as well, including when coming behind A Plus Tard in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the festive period.

Mullins certainly feels that Kemboy is in good form heading into Sunday’s race, although he admits the retirement of regular jockey David Mullins, as well as the predicted heavy conditions, could ultimately affect his chances.

“Kemboy seemed back to himself at Christmas. David (Mullins) has retired since, so I wonder will anyone else get on well with him? We’ll see,” Mullins was quoted as saying by Racing TV.

“He seems to like Leopardstown. The only worry is all the rain ? I think real nice ground suits him more than any other horse.”