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WILLIE MULLINS invested a staggering £350,000 in ‘one of the best horses of his generation’ – who may never race over jumps.
The king of National Hunt was determined not to let the impressive four-year-old, Columbus, slip away at Monday’s Arqana sale in France.
Double victory! Columbus wins the Group 3 Prix G. De Geoffre Stakes for @teamchferland and @AugustinMadamet at @paris_longchamp … pic.twitter.com/KLTwhHIDzK
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 1, 2024
A three-time winner from 13 starts, Group 1-placed Columbus clinched a Listed race at Auteuil in August last year before securing Group 3 honors the following month.
The staying son of Oasis Dream – who the Racing Post deemed ‘one of the best’ over long distances – has earned £130,000 in prize money throughout his career.
However, expect that amount to soar if Mullins can perform his usual magic.
The Closutton trainer has already celebrated success with horses like one that broke the track record at Del Mar.
Absurde finished a respectable eighth in the Melbourne Cup earlier this month, while Sober provided the Irish trainer with additional Royal Ascot success earlier this year.
As for Columbus, his future appears to lie on the Flat, according to Pierre Boulard, Mullins’ right-hand sales agent.
He informed the Racing Post : “He’s not particularly large but is a true racehorse with excellent form on the Flat.
“I believe Willie will keep him on the Flat, as he doesn’t seem suited to jumping fences.
“It’s his Flat performances that drew us in, and Willie will seek a client based on that.
“He could potentially be one to campaign internationally.”
While Mullins remains a jumps man at heart, he has been thrilled watching Final Demand and Kopek Des Bordes make impressive chase debuts.
Nonetheless, it's clear that the allure of the Flat has captivated him, especially with the wealth available.
He has already outlined a plan for Ethical Diamond, who triumphed in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes and the York Ebor before dazzling the racing world in the United States.
It’s likely that Ethical Diamond will never be seen over obstacles again and will instead focus on the Flat.
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What is Willie Mullins' recent purchase?
Willie Mullins recently purchased a four-year-old horse named Columbus for £350,000, who is recognized as one of the best horses of his generation.
What are Columbus' achievements so far?
Columbus has won three races out of 13 starts, including a Listed race at Auteuil and a Group 3 race.
What is Columbus' future in racing?
Columbus is expected to race on the Flat rather than over jumps, as indicated by his sales agent Pierre Boulard.
