Trainer Mullins accepts ambassador role

Racing: Champion Irish jumps trainer Willie Mullins has been named Horse Racing Ireland's inaugural National Hunt ambassador…

Racing:Champion Irish jumps trainer Willie Mullins has been named Horse Racing Ireland's inaugural National Hunt ambassador for this season

In his role, the County Carlow handler will give racegoers an in-depth look into his yard's big-race preparations, recording the highs and lows of the campaign.

"I am honoured to be appointed their first National Hunt ambassador. I think it's important to give back and help to promote the sport we all love," said Mullins.

"I look forward to letting people know more about the inner workings of our yard and hopefully this in turn will encourage them to go racing and watch the horses in action.

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"I probably have my strongest team of horses and, while anything can happen as we know in racing, it's wonderful just to have this in-depth quality around in the yard. I look forward to sharing in the hopefully exciting times ahead."

Mullins has been amongst Ireland's top jumps trainers since he took out his licence in 1988. Last season he had a record 136 winners.

His stable stars include last season's Cheltenham winners Cooldine, Mikael D'Haguenet and Quevega, while the unbeaten five-year-old Hurricane Fly is ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle.