Kopek Des Bordes Bypasses Dublin Racing Festival – Straight to Cheltenham Arkle for Mullins Star

Trainer Willie Mullins has opted to skip this weekend’s Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival, sending Supreme Novices’ Hurdle hero Kopek Des Bordes directly to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The six-year-old was set to headline Day 1 action in a highly anticipated clash with Gordon Elliott’s Romeo Coolio, especially after a minor setback ruled him out over Christmas. However, his name was absent from the final declarations on Thursday morning, with the Closutton stable prioritizing the big March target.

Owner Charles McCarthy explained the call: “Willie called me this morning and confirmed he won’t run. The horse is working really well and everything looks positive, but he’s not ready to take on these rivals just yet. He needs a bit more time—and Saturday doesn’t give him that.

“I asked about the alternative plan, and Willie said straight to Cheltenham. I never second-guess him; I trust his judgment completely. I’d rather keep the horse sound than risk anything. It’s heartbreaking for everyone—he was due to run on Saturday like the rest of us—but the horse always comes first.”

Kopek Des Bordes, impressive on his chasing debut, has drifted slightly in the ante-post market but remains a leading contender. He’s available at around 4-1 (with some firms easing from shorter prices) for the Arkle Challenge Trophy at Prestbury Park.

McCarthy confirmed that’s the clear plan: “We’re targeting the Arkle, and that’s where our focus is right now. Willie’s eyes are locked on Cheltenham—he didn’t want to jeopardise the horse this weekend. It’s the Arkle we’re gunning for.”

A potential showdown with Nicky Henderson’s current market leader Lulamba (generally around 6-4 favourite) could provide one of the Festival’s biggest highlights. Mullins’ patient approach aims to have his charge at peak sharpness for the two-mile novice chase showdown on Day 1.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Cheltenham Festival picture sharpens—could Kopek Des Bordes bounce back to glory over fences?