The Neil Mulholland Interview

Marie Bridgwater talks to trainer Neil Mulholland.

It doesn’t seem long since I was watching Neil Mulholland over sticks as a National Hunt jockey, but since 2006 he has been realising his dream and training in Motcombe, Dorset at the stables of Larkinglass. Neil, 29, always seems to have a good relationship with his owners and staff, ensuring he attends the races as much as possible to keep up the excellent rapport he has built with them. Also loyalty to jockeys is very important - not all trainers show the same respect and interaction.

He has two horses entered for the Cheltenham Festival, which starts on the 16th of March, in the form of Midnight Chase and I’moncloudnine, both have been impressive.

M- -First of all let’s focus on your gelding midnight Chase - Where did you buy the horse and how much did he cost?
N - Liz Harrington, who I work with, bred Midnight Chase and I was lucky enough to win on him first time out in a Novice Hurdle before I started training him

M - Was it clear from the start he had potential or have you been surprised?
N - Yes he has always been a nice horse who has just been getting better and better with time and confidence

M - With the Cheltenham festival being such a high profiled meeting, are you happy for the yard to get publicity or are you in it to win?
N - I am a very competitive person and all I want to do is win. The publicity is great and a big help but to me it is the winners and results that count.

M - Where did the dream of training start from?
N - It was always there. I love horses and racing be it horses, motorbikes or cars. It is all I have ever wanted to do and I could not go on being a jockey all my life.

M - Who in Racing do you admire and why?
N - Aiden O’Brien – that’s where I first started. He is very successful at what he does and has always been very helpful. I also admire Hayley Turner but that’s another story!

M - Which horse, past or present would you like in your yard?
N - Brave Inca. He was a “Peoples” horse. He was very tough and always wanted to win – a truly great horse.

M - What’s your tip for the National?
N - Tricky Trickster

M - And finally, tell us something we don’t know about you…
N - I have no secrets – what you see is what you get – but I do prefer Strawberry Jam….

Neil is one of many ex jockeys turned trainer who I believe will last in this sport. With 16 winners this National Hunt season, he is off to a flying start in his career and no doubt with the impressive training performances I have witnessed; he will build up his enterprise and feed his competitive addiction with more winners every season. For all relevant information on Neil, his horses and facilities, please visit www.larkinglass.com. The yard also has a Facebook page to join entitled ‘Neil Mulholland Racing’.

Marie Bridgwater