Willie Mullins has one hand on the Trainers' Championship title.
Willie Mullins is now rated 98% likely to win the National Hunt Trainers' Championship for the first time and the first Irishman for 70 years after collecting more than £200,000 in prize money on Scottish Grand National day at Ayr.
Speaking on Saturday evening, nearest challenger Dan Skelton (14/1 at betfair) admitted he was "on the ropes" but suggested it wasn't completely over with £650,000 up for grabs at Sandown this weekend.
Skelton will saddle Le Milos (10/1 William Hill) in the biggest race of the Sandown meet, the Bet365 Gold Cup. The favourite for the race is Christian Williams' Kitty's Light (4/1), while the best chance for Mullins is Nick Rockett at 14/1 on Sky Bet (shortest 8/1).
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Before all that, Mullins sought to strengthen his position by sending his first runner to Ffos Las. Rath Gaul Boy has duly obliged at an SP of 2/9, handing Mullins his first winner in Wales in the day's 2m novice hurdle.
From Wednesday, Perth will become a key location in the destination of the title. Mullins has both Instit and High Class Hero in action, with Brandy Love to follow on Thursday at the same track.
El Fabiolo (pulled up in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham) is Mullins' big chance in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase, held on the same Saturday card at Sandown as the Bet365 Gold Cup.
