Willie Mullins’ big four horses return for pre-season ‘looking magnificent’ as trainer plots more racing domination

WILLIE MULLINS has begun plotting yet more domination of the jumps – as he confirmed his big four had returned for pre-season ‘looking magnificent’. The biggest figure in National Hunt and arguably racing as a whole has one eye on the Flat at the moment. The awesome Gaelic Warrior has returned for pre-season after landing an amazing Gold Cup double last campaign Credit: PA Superstar mare Lossiemouth looks all set to defend her Champion Hurdle title now she’s back at Closutton Credit: PA But he will soon be fighting a war on two fronts after he welcomed back Galacticos Lossiemouth, Gaelic Warrior, Il Etait Temps and I Am Maximus. Between them that fantastic four won the Champion Hurdle, Gold Cup, Champion Chase and Grand National respectively last season. Lossiemouth and Gaelic Warrior are clear favourites to repeat their Cheltenham Festival heroics 12 months later. Il Etait Temps is heading the market to land a second Champion Chase. And I Am Maximus is as short as 8-1 to tie Red Rum with a record-equalling third Grand National win. First, though, comes some gentle work and easing back into life at Closutton after their summer holidays. Providing an update on his top horses, Mullins said: “The winter horses have been back in for the past few weeks and are doing their prep work at the moment. “They’re walking and trotting and will begin cantering in September. Most read in Horse Racing TOP HORSE RACING TRAVEL DEALS GET closer to the action with these top travel deals. Our travel partners have a range of trips for all budgets to see the world’s best horse racing. Check out these amazing deals – 🍺 Cheltenham Festival — Race tickets and night at one of the local hotels for 2027 — From £159 pp 🐴 Grand National — Ticket to next year’s action plus stay in a leading local hotel — From £189 pp 🏆Epsom Derby — Race ticket plus stay in 4-star hotel — From £179pp 👑 Royal Ascot — 1 night in a local hotel plus ticket to the races and celeb preview — From £159 pp 🏇 Glorious Goodwood — Ticket to the races and luxury hotel for 2027 festival — From £159 pp ⭐ PLUS Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from £579pp and Dubai World Cup from £1,795pp *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. “Lossiemouth, Gaelic Warrior and Il Etait Temps summered on our own farm and are all in tip-top order. “I Am Maximus summered in Martinstown (owner JP McManus’ stud) and he came back looking magnificent. “They are burly and a little sunburnt but are in good nick. “With the good weather at the moment, there will be no rush with them.” Of more immediate concern for Mullins is this week’s Ebor at York. He has won the mega-money 1m6f Flat handicap in two of the past three years with HOS Syndicate stars Absurde and Ethical Diamond. Neither will be lining up this year, though, as Mullins confirmed Gaucher, Columbus, Mr Hollywood and huge gamble Love Me Tender for Saturday’s race. 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