Willie Mullins, the renowned trainer, is set to mark another milestone in his esteemed career on Friday evening as he prepares to send out his first runner for Charles and Camilla, the king and queen of Britain. The exciting debut will take place at Leopardstown, where Reaching High will be competing in the Leopardstown Lady Riders Handicap, which is the final race of the day at the Dublin track. This new addition to Mullins’ roster of horses has brought a sense of pride to the reigning British and Irish champion, who is thrilled to have the opportunity to train a horse for royalty.
Meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla at Royal Ascot last year was the initial spark that led to this exciting collaboration. After a phone call from the royal couple, Mullins eagerly accepted the chance to train Reaching High, who arrived at Closutton shortly thereafter. The connection between the Mullins family and the royal couple deepened further, with Patrick Mullins, jockey and assistant trainer, sharing insights on how the partnership came to be. The Mullins family’s involvement in the royal procession at Royal Ascot paved the way for this unique opportunity, highlighting the strong bond that was formed between the two parties.
The history behind Reaching High adds an intriguing layer to this story, as the horse is the offspring of Queen Elizabeth II’s Gold Cup winner, Estimate. This lineage creates a captivating narrative, especially considering Mullins’ past successes at Ascot, including victories in the Ascot Stakes. The plan to potentially aim for Royal Ascot with Reaching High adds an exciting element to the horse’s debut at Leopardstown. As Patrick Mullins mentioned, this upcoming race will provide crucial insights into Reaching High’s potential and set the stage for future endeavors. The anticipation surrounding this royal collaboration and the journey ahead for Reaching High is palpable, making this a significant moment in Mullins’ illustrious career.
