‘Future Gold Cup winner’ removed from Willie Mullins’ yard thrills new trainer ahead of huge comeback

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THE ‘future Gold Cup winner’ removed from Willie Mullins’ yard has been thrilling his new trainer ahead of his huge comeback.

Unbeaten Indiana Dream was trained by the Closutton boss to his first two victories, which included the 13-length demolition of the smart St Felicien when last seen in December 2023.

But billionaire owner JP McManus has since moved Indiana Dream from Mullins to Jonjo and AJ O’Neill in Cheltenham.

The father and son duo have been getting used to their new recruit over the past few months.

And big things are expected of him when he finally returns to the track in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor on Sunday.

A best-priced 14-1, it might be best watching Indiana Dream to see how he performs on his comeback.

But AJ O’Neill said he is over the moon to have a horse of such outstanding potential at Jackdaws, insisting: “The dream is still alive.”

And while he’s keeping expectations low for the seven-year-old for now, the big targets could seen start coming into focus.

O’Neill said on the Nick Luck Daily podcast: “He’s been very straightforward, settled into life here very well and we’re very happy with him.

“He’s a really big, fine horse and I’m really looking forward to seeing him back on the track.

“We’ve only had him a few months and managed to keep him sound, hopefully we can continue doing so.

“He’s had a while off the track but we’re looking forward to seeing him and we hope he runs a nice race and can come on from it.

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“With him being so new we’ll see how he gets on and make a plan from there

“He’s done everything nicely and done nothing to upset us – but he has had a long time off.”

Indiana Dream made a winning debut in a French bumper in February 2022.

It was nearly a year before he raced again, this time under Mullins, when he won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle in January 2023 by 15 lengths.

Nine Graces, who finished in third that day, has won three times since, including at Punchestown last weekend.

Indiana Dream then made his debut over fences in December 2023, winning by an impressive 13 lengths.

It was after that that some punters thought he looked a future Gold Cup superstar in the same shape of McManus’ 2012 winner Synchronised.

The legendary Irish owner has close ties to the O’Neills, having won the Grand National twice with Jonjo-trained horses Don’t Push It and Synchronised.