WILLIE MULLINS revealed jockey Paul Townend was ‘not happy’ after Kopek Des Bordes’ electrifying chase debut – owing to an upcoming fixture clash.
The Closutton boss said the reinstated Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival will be Kopek’s next race.
But that falls on Boxing Day – the same day as the King George Chase at Kempton.
Mullins looks all set to send the awesome Gaelic Warrior there after his scheduled return in this weekend’s John Durkan Chase.
And Townend’s commitment to Rich Ricci and his horses means he will in all likelihood be picked to ride Gaelic Warrior.
That potentially leaves the massive ride on Kopek Des Bordes up for grabs on the same day.
Asked by Racing TV’s Gary O’Brien if the 2m chase at Leopardstown was Arkle fav Kopek Des Bordes’ next race, Mullins said: “It is.
“I don’t think Paul was happy with that because it’s King George day and someone else will go.
“Anyhow let’s hope everyone is safe and sound on that day and we have that problem to ride.
“But I’m sure there will be plenty of people with their hand up to ride him… if Paul is going to the King George.”
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Supreme Novices’ Hurdle monster Kopek Des Bordes lived up to the hype on his chasing bow at Navan.
He made easy work of 2-9 odds to win by 13 lengths – while big Arkle rival Lulamba sauntered home at Exeter just over an hour earlier.
Nicky Henderson’s Joe Donnelly-owned superstar looked incredibly measured at his fences.
Both main Arkle chances racing on the same afternoon led to some market upheavel.
But in the whole it was Kopek who was backed in ahead of his Seven Barrows rival.
Coral initially took a stance, saying they were more impressed with Lulamba and made them both 5-2 fav.
But that soon disappeared to 9-4 while Lulamba was left at 5-2.
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