Massive Willie Mullins Cheltenham favourite ‘absolutely hammered’ for a different race as money pours in

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A MASSIVE Willie Mullins Cheltenham favourite has been ‘absolutely hammered’ in the betting for a different race.

Kopeck De Mee was already backed off the boards for the closing Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle and is as short as 5-2 for the 2m4 finisher.

Trainer Willie Mullins on his phone at the Punchestown Festival. — Willie Mullins looks like could have got round the Cheltenham rules again with seriously unexposed top prospect Kopeck De Mee – although where he runs is anyone’s guess

But the completely unexposed French hurdler has since been clobbered for the County Hurdle – even though Mullins already holds a strong hand.

Kopeck De Mee, who is owned by billionaire racing supremo JP McManus, has been backed from 5-1 into as short as 10-3 for the 2m1f County earlier on Friday.

Mullins looks set to run defending champ and 7-1 second-fav Absurde in that race.

Along with 12-1 Ethical Diamond, who is also owned by HOS Syndicate.

The Closutton genius has a whole host of others including Tony Bloom’s Bunting ready to contest the fierce handicap.

But punters think Kopeck De Mee – who could be 2st well in with a rating of 136 – is the one to be with.

He gets round the five-run rule having raced that many times in France, but his last run came right back in May 2024.

Word is that he has been impressing on Mullins’ gallops and has been backed accordingly.

In his most recent stable tour, Mullins told Sporting Life: “He came in early in the season and he looked like a tip-top novice chaser but had a little setback.

“He’s back in training now so rather than go chasing this end of the season we decided to go over hurdles.

“It’s tough going to Cheltenham for a first run of the season but he looks a real nice type and has plenty of experience from France.

“Depending on which race we decide, he’s one I think you can follow.”

The move for Kopeck De Mee came as another Mullins star was backed.

Punters had piled into Lossiemouth being re-routed to the Mares’ Hurdle – but the cash has since come thick and fast for her sticking to the Champion Hurdle in what could be the race of the year.