MULLINS’ GRADED WINNER UNCLE PHIL HEADS CHRISTMAS SALE CATALOGUE
Dec 13, 2024
Friday 13th December 2024 – Smart Willie Mullins-trained chaser UNCLE PHIL (Lot 18) is the highest-rated horse in ThoroughBid’s 40-strong Christmas Sale catalogue, which boasts an exciting mix of lots.
The bumper, hurdles and multiple chase winner for the Closutton maestro holds a rating of 146 over fences and is sure to capture attention when the son of Walk In The Park goes under the auction house’s online hammer on Wednesday 18th December.
Fellow Irish-trained jumper BALLYKEEL (Lot 29) is another highlight of the horses-in-training. The Gordon Elliott-trained lot won last year’s Perth Gold Cup, represented Cullentra at the Cheltenham Festival in the Kim Muir, and now holds a rating of 126 over fences.
There are a total of seven pointers entered by John Nallen’s Minella Racing operation, who are renowned for pre-training and producing some of the finest jumpers our generation has ever seen, such as Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Minella Indo and Grand National winner Minella Times.
Robert Watson has a nice pair of horses entered in the shape of DRUMBEAR (Lot 6) and DEAR DAPHNE (Lot 22), who are both winners over Jumps and on the Flat, respectively, and from families of Listed winners.
Of those unraced, ’23 BLUE BRESIL (FR) ex FLEMENCELLO (IRE) (Lot 3) has an attractive page, out of a black-type Willie Mullins-trained mare who’d placed in Listed company.
CEO of ThoroughBid, James Richardson, said: “We’re delighted to offer a real breadth of stock in this year’s Christmas Sale and eyes will naturally be drawn to the Willie Mullins-trained Uncle Phil. He’s a horse who's shown plenty of ability as Grade Three winner with a rating of 146, and he looks to still have plenty of upside for new connections.
“Elsewhere, it’s a sale of real variety, from horses-in-training, to mares, to pointers and of course some nicely-bred yearlings. The Gordon Elliott-consigned Ballykeel is another horse who catches the eye, while having seven pointers from the Minella Racing operation should draw plenty of interest."