In an exclusive interview with B OYLE Sports , up-and-coming Irish racing trainer Cian Collins has opened up on what he learned under master trainer Gordon Elliott after six years working at his yard.
Collins, aged just 27, is already a Cheltenham Festival winner with Jazzy Matty, who landed the Grand Annual at Prestbury Park earlier this year. Collins has reflected on his journey as a trainer so far and looks ahead to the upcoming Leopardstown Christmas Festival and Cheltenham Festival next year, while also telling us the one thing he would change about the Horse Racing scene.
Back Break, Title Hope: Elliott Over Mullins
Why I Retired Early
I was 18, and I broke my back. But I kept working, and I wasn't long getting over it. I had to stop riding, though, on medical grounds. At the moment, fortunately, not [suffering discomfort]. But on and off, you’ll notice it the odd time.
I don't feel too much pressure, really, as a trainer, it is more excitement than pressure. I don't find the pressure too much.
Elliot v Mullins Battle
I think Gordon is putting it up to him. But Willie really does have the quality and the top-class horses, so it is very tough for anyone to compete for him. Gordon is putting it up to him more this year than he has in other years.
I think it would mean an awful amount for him to win the Irish trainers’ title. That’s what he's dreaming of, and maybe one day he will get it. I think he will.
Over in Britain, the Skeltons are really on the scene this year, so it could be tough for Willie to win the Championship over there again, especially with the number of runners the Skeltons have at the moment.
Why Leopardstown at Christmas is the Ultimate Festive Spectacle
The HRI Has Gotten Things Right
It’s amazing. It is brilliant racing. The quality is brilliant. Even if you don’t have a runner, it is great to watch. All the best horses go there and take each other on. That produces great racing, and it’s brilliant to see. It is a great track. The best horse normally wins.
The festival is getting bigger every year. Definitely, more horses are aimed specifically at Leopardstown, maybe more than they used to be when the aim was only about Cheltenham. But Cheltenham is the main deal!
Galopin Des Champs’ win there two years ago is my favourite Leopardstown memory. The atmosphere is great. Leopardstown, for me, is second only to Cheltenham.
The HRI has got things right with the festivals in Ireland. The timings, the racing, it all fits well. You definitely get a good few pointers from what wins at Leopardstown and how that might influence Cheltenham.
It would be great if more British runners came over. I am not sure why they don’t come over more often.
Horses That Will Shake Up Christmas
Horses To Watch
Kopek Des Bordes in the Novice Chase. He was unbelievable last time out, and his jumping was brilliant.
He is one to look forward to. But to be honest, Romeo Coolio was the one I’ve been most impressed with. He was absolutely brilliant at Fairyhouse. Jack [Kennedy] never looked in doubt, and I can't wait to see him run again.
I am not sure if Romeo Coolio is going two miles or three miles. If he does go two miles, then I think he will be a very classy horse. The Arkle would be an obvious choice.
Champion Hurdle Prediction
Yes. And I think Brighterdaysahead might go for it as well, from what I am hearing from Gordon. So that’ll be a good match between them if they both turn up.
In the Faugheen Novice Steeplechase, Final Demand will go at Limerick. He was very impressive at Navan and will go to the Champion Hurdle, I’d imagine. I’ll be looking forward to seeing him back out.
Inothewayurthinkin In The Savils Chase
Maybe Gavin Cromwell's horse Inothewayurthinkin might improve from Punchestown. He could well be the one to beat at Leopardstown.
Then there’s Fastorslow, Galopin des Champs, and any number of good ones. It’ be a great race to watch, but Gavin’s would be the one I am going for.
The British Threat and What Racing Badly Needs
Top English Horses
Paul Nicholls has a good one in No Drama This End. People are saying he could be another Denman. Lulamba is a possible Champion Hurdle horse for Nicky Henderson, and the Skeltons have got any amount of talent now as well.
Mydaddypaddy looks pretty good. There are a lot of really good horses. But it's a bit early to tell. I'd like to see them in their next races and who they take on, maybe at Christmas time, and be able to say then what we’re up against.
What I’d Change In Racing
More prize money would be number one, and then maybe more low-grade races. There are a lot of low-grade horses in Ireland and England. It might work better if there was more low-grade racing for them.
Every owner that wins would be delighted, and then they’d want to keep their horse in training. So, I think if there are more chances for the low-grade horses, it would work better for the owners and trainers.
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