Cheltenham honours late Maureen Mullins with Festival race

Cheltenham Racecourse Honors Late Maureen Mullins with Grade Two National Hunt Chase at The Festival

Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that the Grade Two National Hunt Chase, set to take place on Champion Day at The Festival on Tuesday, March 12th, will be dedicated to the memory of the late Maureen Mullins in 2024.

Maureen Mullins, who passed away at 94 on February 14th, was the esteemed matriarch of an illustrious Irish racing dynasty.

Her late husband, Paddy Mullins, boasted a remarkable record with half a dozen Festival triumphs, most notably with the legendary mare Dawn Run. Dawn Run’s historic victories in both the Champion Hurdle (1984) and the Cheltenham Gold Cup (1986) cemented her place in racing history.

The Mullins family’s influence on The Festival extends across generations. Sons Tony and Tom have left their mark as successful trainers, while Willie Mullins, her son and prominent trainer, holds the record with 94 Festival winners. Additionally, grandsons Patrick, Danny, and Emmet have all celebrated victories at the prestigious event.

Maureen Mullins was a notable figure in the racing world, having enjoyed success as a rider, owner, and breeder.

Ian Renton, Managing Director of West, The Jockey Club, expressed the racecourse’s deep respect for the family’s legacy, stating, “The National Hunt Chase has a long tradition of commemorating some of Jump racing’s most famous names, and we are delighted that the Mullins family has agreed to have the historic contest run in honour of Maureen Mullins in 2024.”

Willie Mullins echoed the sentiment, “Our family are delighted and honoured to have a race named after our mother Maureen, who had a great affinity for Cheltenham and enjoyed every moment there.”

Tony Mullins affirmed the fittingness of the choice, remarking, “Undoubtedly the correct race for a great stayer.”