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David Casey: Willie Mullins-trained horses to follow plus youngsters to note

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Thu 8 Oct 2026

Essential reading! Willie Mullins' right-hand man, David Casey, shares updates on Gaelic Warrior, I Am Maximus, Kitzbuhel, Lossiemouth, Mighty Park, He's On Fire, King Rasko Grey and many more of Mullins' superstars before revealing five horses to follow for the 2026-27 Jumps season, as well as a couple of youngsters to note. Casey was in conversation with BOYLESports, who offer the latest horse racing odds.

Mighty Park and He’s On Fire - two exciting hurdlers likely to go chasing

I don’t know about under the radar, but Mighty Park and He’s on Fire are a couple of horses who are likely to go chasing, although that isn’t confirmed yet. They looked like really decent novice hurdlers last year. I know Mighty Park didn’t run his race at Cheltenham. He’s On Fire was very impressive in winning a Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse. They look like Chasers and when they do go that route, there should be plenty of improvement in them.

King Rasko Grey may go the Arkle route, with Anzadam another high-class option

Last year, King Rasko Grey won at the Cheltenham Festival, and I think he can make his mark over fences this year. He could possibly go down the Arkle route. Anzadamis another high-class horse going chasing. They should be good, and Copacabana, a bumper horse that didn’t run much last year,is a decent horse who had only one run, and could be a strong contender.

All plans start with the John Durkan - even for Gaelic Warrior

I rode Gaelic Warrior out this week myself. He is well in himself. He will probably start in the John Durkan and hopefully he gets a smooth run through the season, and keeps sound. That is half the battle - keeping them sound and healthy- and if you can do that, then you have a fighting chance.

Last year, obviously Gaelic Warrior went across (for the King George) and was unlucky. I don’t know if the plan is the same this year. All those horses tend to start in the John Durkan, and we see how they go from there and make a plan. The likes of Gaelic Warrior, Fact to File and Kitzbuhel, who won at Kempton last year and then at Cheltenham, will have entries, then we will see how they progress.

Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus will be back for the Randox Grand National

Nick Rockettwill obviously back for the Grand National, along with I Am Maximuswho was a revelation again in the National this year.All those old stalwarts are still there, touch wood, and hopefully they'll stay healthy for a good campaign.

Again, I Am Maximus will probably start in the John Durkan, and I don’t know his exact route after that. All those long distance races are open to him, and I am sure Willie and the McManus family would love to go back to Aintree to try to win it a third time.

Lossiemouth for the Champion Hurdle again?

I would imagine so. The two races for her would be the Champion Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle. After winning the Champion Hurdle last year, she would be our main contender. I am not certain we would have another outstanding candidate coming through. We didn't have anything in the first three of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, so I’d imagine she’d be our main contender for the Champion Hurdle.

She is in great order. I was looking at her cantering up the gallop on Saturday and she's in really good nick. If she could go back to the type of performance she gave last year, everyone would be delighted.

Which youngsters have caught your eye that are new to the yard?

There are a couple of nice young horses. Rich [Ricci] has a horse called Magnifico Conti, and a nice grey filly called Chic Me. They might be two to watch. Ours haven't done any fast work yet really, so hopefully they'll be two who’ll put their head above the parapet.

My ‘five to follow’ for the season

I do like Mighty Park going chasing - I think he can be very, very good. I also like the grey filly I mentioned, Chic Me. A horse called Interstellar seems very nice at the moment, too.

Then you're obviously looking at Gaelic Warrior to come back strong. And maybe Jasmin De Vaux, who missed his season last year. He’s on the comeback trail, will probably go down the stayers' route, one where I think he could be very competitive. He won a bumper then the Albert Bartlett but missed all of last season. He’s on the comeback trail at the moment, and looks pretty good.

Who would be in a Lucky 15 for you at the Cheltenham Festival next year?

Lossiemouth (Champion Hurdle), Gaelic Warrior (Gold Cup), Fact To File (Ryanair) and Mighty Park in whatever novice race he’s going for!

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