Forgotten Willie Mullins horse labelled a ‘class act’ sees odds obliterated for Cheltenham after ‘dazzling’ win

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Brighton owner Tony Bloom celebrates £750,000 winner as his horse Energumene wins Champion Chase at Cheltenham ” cover_image=”https://thesun-develop.gtabloiddev.dowjones.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/brighton-owner-tony-bloom-celebrates-750000-winner-as-his-horse-energumene-wins-champion-chase-at-cheltenham.jpg” cover_image_id=”32631579″ embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6300965727001″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

A FORGOTTEN Willie Mullins horse has seen his odds absolutely obliterated for Cheltenham Festival after a ‘dazzling’ win.

‘Class act’ Ile Atlantique is ‘looking more exciting as he gets older’, according to his legendary trainer.

Tony Bloom, owner of Brighton and Hove Albion, at a Premier League Shareholders Meeting.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom could have another Cheltenham Festival winner on his hands in the shape of ‘class act’ Ile Atlantique

The seven-year-old gelding was barely asked a question when scooting up by five lengths in the Grade 2 novice chase at Naas on Sunday.

Owned by Brighton supremo Tony Bloom, the horse had a reputation for being a big softie in a finish.

But fences look to be the making of him as he banged in his second straight win over the larger obstacles.

Ile Atlantique was smashed into as short as 6-1 from as big as 25-1 for the 2m Arkle following the rout.

Nicky Henderson’s awesome Sir Gino heads the market at 8-11, while Mullins also has the hugely exciting Majborough at 3-1.

But the Closutton trainer looked impressed with Ile Atlantique’s latest triumph, which never looked in doubt as Paul Townend cruised over the fences.

And he wasn’t beating mugs, with Gordon Elliott’s highly-regarded Firefox trailing in second, ahead of 11-10 fav Inthepocket.

Speaking afterwards, Mullins said: “He’s just such an efficient jumper, he’s gaining a half-length at every fence.

“Paul came in and he told me he just did it all himself.

“He claps his eyes on a fence, gets his legs in the right order and bang-bang down to it and meets it.

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘She looks top drawer’ purrs Willie Mullins after Rich Ricci’s ‘special’ new horse bolts up on debut” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366575067112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

“Having a horse like that is a huge help to a jockey, you just sit there and let him do the work.”

He will probably need to up his game more – or have testing conditions – to make much of an impact up against Sir Gino.

But there’s no doubt he’s a much better animal over fences.

And we know Bloom likes his speedy chasers, having won the Champion Chase twice with Energumene.