Willie Mullins lands in Melbourne eyeing Melbourne Cup glory

Mullins touched down in Australia this week to personally oversee Vauban and Absurde as they prepare for the race that stops a nation. Mullins is confident in both contenders, declaring, “both horses are ready this minute to run”.

Vauban and Absurde are currently undergoing quarantine at Werribee, and Mullins is happy with their progress.

“Both horses have settled in very well,” he reported. “I’m pleased with how they pull out of the work, and if they can just keep doing that until the Cup, that will be our objective.”

Vauban has come down much fitter this year than last, after Mullins put him on a different program for the European summer, racing him all the way through. Now, in Australia, he’ll have a freshen up and a “blowout” before the Cup.

Absurde had a break, and exceeded Mullins’s expectations after his win in Chester, in the UK. He was particularly impressed with Absurde’s development, observing, “I’m much happier with him this year. He seems more mature in his mind and he just seems to have grown up.”

Last year, Mullins brought Vauban over earlier, thinking the extended quarantine period would be beneficial. However, in hindsight, he admitted, “I didn't see any benefit of it … I thought he was away from home for too long.” This year, both horses have arrived closer to the race, with Vauban having a more rigorous campaign beforehand.

“We completely changed tactics this year. Hopefully it will work.”

The Melbourne Cup holds a special place in Mullins’ heart. “It’s just fantastic that we’re able to come down here,” he said. Vauban’s and Absurde’s owners are also eagerly anticipating the event. “They all want the Melbourne Cup. They want to be here for one day – Melbourne Cup Day,” he said.

With Vauban and Absurde primed for the challenge, and Mullins on the ground overseeing them, the Irish trainer is ready to chase his Melbourne Cup dream again. He hopes to emulate his fellow Irishman Dermot Weld, trainer of Vintage Crop, and bring the Cup back home to Ireland once more.