Michael ‘Mouse’ Morris, a former racing jockey turned trainer, is offering a preview of the upcoming festive racing at Leopardstown. The renowned trainer, who spoke to BoyleSports about the event, hailed Leopardstown as a racecourse with great prize money and an exceptional atmosphere. Morris highlighted the distinction between Leopardstown and Cheltenham, stating that the Irish venue offers unparalleled quality racing alongside the prestigious Cheltenham and Punchestown meetings.
In terms of his own horses, Morris mentioned Foxy Jacks and Indiana Jones as potential contenders for the big handicaps at Leopardstown. He also expressed his desire to have a runner in the Pertemps qualifier.
Reflecting on the state of Irish National Hunt racing, Morris expressed optimism about its flourishing status compared to the struggles faced by their English counterparts. He attributed the success to the presence of wealthy individuals who are passionate about investing in the sport. Despite acknowledging the dominance of trainers like Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliot, and Henry de Bromhead, Morris voiced concerns about the industry’s future in Ireland. He highlighted the potential negative impact of racing fans witnessing numerous horses from the same yard competing against each other.
When asked about the challenges facing smaller yards, Morris admitted that it is difficult to make a good living in the training business. For him and other smaller trainers, it is more of a way of life than a lucrative profession. Morris also expressed concerns about proposed restrictions in Ireland, such as banning TV advertising during certain hours, which could impact the transmission of racing to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Morris revealed his aspiration to win the Grand National again, having triumphed in 2016 with Rule the World. Foxy Jacks and French Dynamite are the horses on his radar for the iconic race. He also shared his reservations about recent changes made to the Aintree course, questioning whether they are truly beneficial for the race.
The Leopardstown Christmas Races, which span from December 26 to 29, promise to offer thrilling action for both fans and participants alike.
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