‘He’s going to kill me’ – Willie Mullins sparks massive York Ebor gamble… but punters left confused by horse’s name

WILLIE MULLINS admitted his right-hand man is ‘going to kill’ him after he sparked a massive York Ebor gamble. But punters were left scratching their heads over the name of the horse Mullins put forward for the 1m6f feature on Saturday week. The Love Me Tender Willie Mullins meant – one of two in his yard – runs in the HOS Syndicate silks, seen on the global stage by Ethical Diamond when he won the Breeders’ Cup Turf last year Credit: Getty The Closutton boss has made the £500,000 handicap his own in recent times, with Ethical Diamond’s win last year coming two years after Absurde’s victory. Sandwiched in the middle was fellow Irish jumps trainer Henry de Bromhead’s success with Magical Zoe. Trawlerman was the last British-trained horse to win the Ebor in 2022 and Mullins reckons he can keep the Irish domination going this year. Although, if you’re checking the form, make sure you have your wits about you. In an interview with Sporting Life, Mullins put forward Love Me Tender as a horse he thinks could outrun early odds of 33-1. Issue is, he has two horses with the same name in his yard. The one he hinted at for Ebor glory is a four-year-old gelding owned by HOS Syndicate, who also have Ethical Diamond and Absurde. He has never run for Mullins and was bought after three career runs, the most recent of which was a two-length fourth place finish in a 1m2f Listed contest at Chantilly last October. Most read in Horse Racing The other Love Me Tender is a five-year-old gelding owned by JP McManus who most recently ran at last month’s Galway Festival. Explaining how he tells them apart, Mullins said: “I have another horse in the race – a German horse called Love Me Tender Germany we call him, because I have two Love Me Tenders in the yard. “One French-bred and one German-bred, so this guy’s called Love Me Tender Germany. “If he gets in – and he might sneak in at the bottom. “I didn’t think he’d get in but chatting to you guys here today, off his mark, he might sneak in. “He’s one to look out for I think. “He’s a horse that’s going to feature in those staying handicaps, I think, towards the end of the season. “David Casey’s going to kill me… that’s his price gone!” It is indeed, Willie. Love Me Tender had been as big as 33s before the interview aired but bookies have taken no chances and slashed him right down into as short as 10-1 joint-fav. Mullins also looks like running recent Galway hurdles winner Columbus in the race. While Royal Ascot eyecatcher Mr Hollywood – who runs in the silks of old favourite Winter Fog – is also set to line up off the back of a Galway win and a promising third behind Illinois and French Master in the Queen Alexandra. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now