Willie Mullins Stable Tour & Horses To Follow (2025/26)

Willie Mullins commenced training in 1988 having worked as assistant to both his father Paddy and to Jim Bolger.

A former six time amateur champion in Ireland, his personal greatest riding moments were winning the 1983 Aintree Foxhunters on Atha Cliath and the 1996 Cheltenham Champion Bumper on Wither or Which.

As a trainer Willie has won just about every major prize in Ireland, most of the big ones in the UK and several in France as well for good measure. Annually you will always find his horses quoted in the Grand National betting. 

Willie has been the Champion NH trainer in Ireland for the last eighteen years and he has won the title nineteen times in total, as well as winning the British trainers championship in each of the last two years. This has contributed greatly to Willie Mullins net worth estimates.

He is undoubtedly the dominant force in jumps racing right now and choosing just 10 Willie Mullins horses to follow is no easy task. However, we've had a go - keep this bunch onside for the 2025/2026 season.

Anzadam

Unbeaten in four starts over hurdles including a Grade Three hurdle at Fairyhouse in November and in another Grade Three at Naas in January.

Mullins believes he has enough potential to be sent down the Champion Hurdle route, and there is every chance that Anzadam could take on Nicky Henderson's stable star Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 29. 

Champ Kiely

It feels like this nine-year-old has been around for ages, and he seems to be getting better with age.

Now rated 158 in chases, Champ Kiely won three of his five starts in novice chases including the Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival.

He’s looking very much like a King George VI Chase hopeful. 

Dinoblue

Dinoblue’s record totally speaks for itself, with the gallant mare winning eight of her 16 starts over fences including the Mares' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season.

She will go down exactly the same route as last year according to Mullins. 

Fact To File

Winner of five of his nine starts over fences including the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

This season he will be a live Gold Cup hope for JP McManus, but before then we could well see him tackle the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Gaelic Warrior

Gaelic Warrior has won five of his nine starts over fences including the Aintree Bowl and the Oaksey Chase at Sandown, and he is yet another potential Gold Cup starter for the yard. 

The John Durkan and the King George will be on his radar first.

Galopin Des Champs 

His CV speaks for itself, having won 12 of his 18 starts over fences including 11 Grade one contests, most notably two editions of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Galopin Des Champs will race in exactly the same five races as last season.

Kopek Des Bordes

The five-year-old landed three of his four starts in novice hurdles last season including the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at The Festival.

He will go novice chasing this season, and should turn into a serious Arkle contender.

Madness D’Elle

Finished third on his only start for Daniela Mele in the Prix Gemix at Auteuil in May. Beaten 6-lengths that day by Shannon Maestro who went on to finish second in the Listed Prix Stanley next time.

He’s an interesting young purchase for the Ricci’s.

Narciso Has 

Narciso Has was snapped up by Willie Mullins for owner JP McManus after this hugely impressive debut at Auteuil back in April.

The three-year-old, a son of renowned jumps stallion Doctor Dino, was an eased-down winner of the 1m7f Prix Wild Monarch for colts and geldings.

Poetisa 

Mullins bought Poetisa for £300,000 from Toby Bulgin at the Doncaster's Goffs UK Spring Horses in Training and Point-to-Point Sale.

Poetisa can be backed at 10-1 for the Mares Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. 

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Adobe*

October 19, 2025
Horse Racing

By Steve Mullington

Steve Mullington
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    Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.

    He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.

    Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?

    He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations. 

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    Paul Nicholls Stable Tour & Horses To Follow (2025/26)

    Paul Nicholls is one of the top trainers in National Hunt racing, closing in on 4,000 winners over jumps.

    A 14-time champion trainer in the United Kingdom, Nicholls’ Ditcheat empire is rocking and rolling ahead of what could be another memorable season.

    While many of his horses feature in horse racing betting odds for the Cheltenham Festival, Nicholls admits that Aintree is just as important when it comes to his yard.

    Here, we look at 10 of the best Paul Nicholls horses to follow in 2025/26. The Ditcheat handler will be hoping to defy the odds by claiming a 15th British trainers title come the end of the campaign...

    Babyken

    Babyken is a French purchase and the youngster should make into a tidy horse. He’s shown plenty at home and will set off on a juvenile hurdle campaign at the end of October.

    Blueking D’oroux 

    Blueking D’oroux arrived from France with a fairly tall reputation but took a while to adapt to his new surroundings.

    Nicholls says he is the sort that could make a much better chaser than he was a hurdler and has very high hopes for him.

    Caldwell Potter

    Formerly trained by Gordon Elliott, Caldwell Potter provided Nicholls with his 50th Festival success when landing the Grade 2 Jack Richard Novices’ Limited Handicap at Cheltenham.

    Early considerations are the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 15th or the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park.

    Doctor On Call

    Won on debut in a bumper at Hereford in December of last year, and has done plenty of schooling and jumps well.

    He should play his part in the novice hurdles over the winter.

    Inthewaterside

    Nicholls has said of Inthewaterside that he is a horse  he likes a lot, and he is looking forward to his return in graduation races this season.

    Jubilee Alpha

    This six-year-old bay mare was very smart last season and there will be plenty of nice races in her to come.

    She’s a candidate for the mares' hurdle on Charlie Hall Day at Wetherby, with the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival being the ultimate goal.

    No Drama This End

    Winner of his only point-to-point, he took his bumper very well at Warwick and ran a fair race in the Champion Bumper.

    He will go novice hurdling now, starting off in a two-and-a-half miles maiden hurdle at a racecourse possibly near you?

    Pourquoi Pas Papa

    This three-year-old was bought from France by Anthony Bromley over the summer.

    He finished second on his only start for David Cottin in a 3-Y-O debutantes hurdle at Clairefontaine in June, finishing one-and-a-half lengths behind Parchment, who has subsequently joined David Pipe.

    He will run in either NH novice hurdles or juvenile hurdles.

    Rubaud

    Victorious in the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton for a second consecutive year before switching to fences landing the Grade 2 Pendil Chase at Kempton.

    Rubaud looks like a Haldon Gold Cup type if ever there was one.

    Threeunderthrufive

    Rated a 152 chaser, he ran his best race last season when runner-up, beaten a nose to Victtorino in the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot.

    Staying handicaps, including the Scottish National could well be on the cards this term.

    *Credit for the main photo in this article belongs to Adobe*

    October 19, 2025
    Horse Racing

    By Steve Mullington

    Steve Mullington
  • ">
    • Body

    Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.

    He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.

    Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?

    He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations. 

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    Nicky Henderson Stable Tour & Horses To Follow (2025/26)

    Nicky Henderson began his training career in 1978, after being the assistant to Fred Winter. He moved to the Seven Barrows yard with its private gallops in 1992 and has not looked back.

    The yard has excellent facilities and plenty of land around for the horses to relax when out of training or between races.

    Henderson has trained some of the greats down the years - Altior, Buveur d'Air, Epatante, L'Ami Serge, Might Bite, Shishkin, Sprinter Sacre and of course – Constitution Hill. Some of his horses have even featured in the annual Royal Ascot betting.

    Henderson clocked up seven Grade 1’s last term, and we’re pretty sure he’ll have his fair share of them again this year. Here are ten Seven Barrows horses that we think you should follow in the 2025/26 season:

    Act Of Innocence

    This five-year-old was a surprise departure from the Paul Nicholls stable over the closed season, but Henderson can pick up where Nicholls left off.

    Scored by two and three quarters lengths in a bumper at Taunton in March, and will be entered into novices’ hurdles this year. 

    Califet En Vol 

    Took the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial at Huntingdon in February, then finished sixth to Julius Des Pictons in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle in April.

    He’s likely to go novice chasing and he could well be high-class.

    Constitution Hill

    The former Champion Hurdler is back with something to prove now, but he’s 100% sound and is probably going to kick off his campaign in the Fighting Fifth again.

    What happens after that is anyone’s guess, but his fortunes could well make a turn for the better this season.

    Iberico Lord

    Second-season chasers usually come on a bundle, and Iberico Lord can do just that.

    His season fizzled out last time after experiencing a fall at Ascot, but if he’s back firing this winter, then he should be top-class.

    Jango Baie

    Jango Baie stormed up the hill in sensational fashion to turn over the odds-on favourite Majborough and win the Arkle Chase for Nicky Henderson last season.

    Henderson says of the horse that he has been seriously exciting, and they dream of more victories to come.

    Jeriko Du Reponet

    Finished runner-up to stablemate Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham last March and will probably go chasing this season.

    Joyeuse

    The six-year-old mare romped home in the Grade 3 Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and finished last season on a mark of 142 over hurdles. Novices’ chases look like being her thing this time around.

    Manlaga

    Manlaga was a clearcut winner of the Prix Auricula (for 3YO fillies unraced over jumps) won previously by dual Grade 1 winner Kargese.

    She has since been purchased by JP McManus and joins Henderson at Seven Barrows.

    Mariole

    French recruit Mariole, is a half-brother to hurdle winners Jilaijone, Heloi and La Pagaille. His dam was a winning French hurdler, plus the daughter of the half-sister to Azertyuiop.

    This horse could easily fly under the betting radar, so please put him in your trackers.

    Thewoodcorner 

    By The Grey Gatsby, Thewoodcorner looks an ideal type for Henderson to crack on with this season in juvenile hurdles.

    The French import should bring plenty of enjoyment to his syndicate owners.

    *Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Adobe*

    October 19, 2025
    Horse Racing

    By Steve Mullington

    Steve Mullington
  • ">
    • Body

    Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.

    He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.

    Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?

    He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations. 

    Steve Mullington
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    La Liga All-Time XI: Who Makes The Starting Lineup?

    La Liga teams are the most successful in European Cup history, lifting the trophy on 120occasions.

    Selecting a greatest ever La Liga XI is no easy feat. Comparisons need to be made between the dominant teams of decades past and the golden era 21st century icons.

    La Liga All-Time Best XI:

    • Iker Casillas
    • Dani Alves
    • Gerard Pique
    • Sergio Ramos
    • Roberto Carlos
    • Xavi
    • Andres Iniesta
    • Zinedine Zidane
    • Johan Cruyff
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo

    Some names, like Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga betting, are locks. Other positions were more contentious.

    Our team lines up in a 4-3-3 with marauding full-backs from Brazil and an entirely non-Spanish front line featuring three of the most important players in the history of the sport.

    The midfield was perhaps where the decisions were trickiest, with some big names left out of the XI. 

    Wherever La Liga ranks among the best leagues in European football, there’s no denying the strength of this team. It’s the the most impressive of any we’ve compiled so far.

    Iker Casillas

    Becoming a Real Madrid starter as a teenager, Iker Casillas amassed over 500 appearances for Real and became a European champion three times along the way. Success in La Liga was frequent, too.

    Casillas’ legacy at Real Madrid is immense. He spent 16 seasons at the club, and for the majority of that time he was among the top three or four ‘keepers in the world.

    Unlike other great goalkeepers of his generation, there was never a period when he was the unquestioned best in the world, but the longevity and consistency made this an easy pick. Arguments can be made for others, but Casillas' combination of team success and individual brilliance make him our number one here.

    Dani Alves

    A good right-back when he signed from Sevilla, Dani Alves evolved into a unique player at the position.

    He was as important as anyone in Pep Guardiola’s majestic Barcelona sides, and his chemistry Lionel Messi made their play a joy to watch. In total, Alves won 43 trophies for club and country across his career.

    His role at Barcelona led the way for players like Trent Alexander-Arnold – Alves took attacking play from full-back to a new level, becoming a primary creator rather than a charging overlapper.

    Gerard Pique

    There was strong competition for this spot. Carles Puyol, Fernando Hierro or Ronald Koeman could have slotted in, but it’s Gerard Pique who gets the nod.

    A great reader of the game, superb passer and sturdy tackler, Pique is the perfect image of the modern centre-back. He’s as comfortable on the ball as he is competing in the air.

    When he left Manchester United, he was a defender with promise but little else. Three Champions League and eight La Ligas later, Pique is one of the greats. That's before we even mention his success with Spain. 

    Sergio Ramos

    To utilise a popular footballing cliché; Sergio Ramos is a player you love if he’s on your side and you despise if he’s against you. He’s an irritant, he’s hot-headed, but he’s absolutely brilliant.

    There are some players who always deliver in big games. More often than not, Ramos does. He was the heart of the Real Madrid side that enjoyed such success in Europe. After a disappointing stint in Paris, Ramos returned to La Liga for a second spell with Sevilla. Only six players have made more appearances in the history of the Spanish topflight. 

    He’s usually a good online betting option to get booked and score. That’s just the way Sergio Ramos rolls.

    Roberto Carlos

    It was a case of picking between two of Real Madrid’s Brazilian left-backs here. Both Marcelo and Roberto Carlos were adored by neutrals.

    Attack was their main priority, and they were capable of the spectacular, albeit that’s slightly more relevant for Carlos.

    Carlos is one of the best full-backs in the history of the game. He won it all at Real Madrid, defending when necessary and troubling opponents as he flew down the left flank.

    Xavi

    Xavi was the centre of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. He was the hub of Spain’s international dominance. What he did in midfield was usually simple, but it was done perfectly.

    Along with his teammate Andres Iniesta, Xavi ticked the game over, he kept the ball moving and surgically examined the opposition’s defence, waiting for an opportunity to play the defence-splitting pass. It's no wonder he was regularly in the discussion for FIFA Player of the Year.

    His 505 La Liga appearances rank 11th all-time, while just nine players have won more La Liga titles (four of which are Xavi's former teammates). 

    Andres Iniesta

    Usually playing further forward than his long-time accomplice, Andres Iniesta provided some goal threat from midfield.

    Iniesta’s ability to retain the ball out of the tightest of spaces, to slide passes behind the defence, created chances aplenty for Barcelona across his 16-year stint with the Catalan giants.

    When Iniesta and Xavi played, few who bet on football went against Barcelona.

    Zinedine Zidane

    Zinedine Zidane is our third midfielder, playing just ahead of Iniesta. He spent some of his Real Madrid career playing out wide, but he could play wherever his team needed him.

    The Frenchman combined silky footwork with a steely edge. A managerial career, and great success, has followed for Zidane, who made football look so, so easy. The statistics will never quite do his play justice. 

    Zidane, who was among the highest paid La Liga stars during his day, was undoubtedly the most influential player of his generation.

    Johan Cruyff

    Although his period in Spain was shorter than many others in this team, Johan Cruyff cannot be left out. What he did for Barcelona, how he changed how football is played, earns a place in any XI.

    The introduction of Total Football to Barcelona, first as a player and then a manager, altered the course of the sport worldwide. Cruyff is as iconic as they come.

    Silverware and individual numbers do not paint a full picture of Cruyff's influence. The entire history of the game was changed by the Dutchman's revolutionary thinking as both a player and manager. 

    Lionel Messi

    Lionel Messi was by far the best player on the planet for over a decade. His presence made Barcelona a constant favourite for the Champions League, and only Paco Gento can better Messi's tally of 10 La Liga titles.

    The eight Ballons d’Or, 10 La Ligas and four Champions Leagues speak for themselves. Messi’s lethal left-foot, precise passing and mesmeric dribbling made him the supreme force in European football for over a decade.

    There will never be another Messi. Many name him as the greatest player in the history of the sport.

    Cristiano Ronaldo

    Of course, it is Messi’s long-term rival who takes the final spot in the front line. Cristiano Ronaldo is the Rafael Nadal to Messi’s Roger Federer.

    Ronaldo and Real Madrid could not match Barcelona domestically. The Portuguese forward won just two La Ligas in his time in the Spanish capital, though Real were superior in Europe in the second half of the decade, winning four Champions Leagues.

    A freak of an athlete and a ferocious competitor, Ronaldo and Messi are so very different as footballers and people. They are two of the greatest ever, and will be the first names mentioned when football in the 2010s is reflected on in decades to come.

    *Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

    October 7, 2025
    La Liga
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    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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    Tennis Umpire Salary – How Much Do Tennis Umpires Make?

    Tennis umpires face an arduous schedule. Those at the top of the game are tasked with managing some difficult situations in the intensity of Grand Slam battle. They can be at the centre of moments which sway tennis betting.

    On the biggest stages, the pressure is high for the players, and that is matched for the umpires. Imagine the eyes of Centre Court on you in the Wimbledon final.

    Their every decision will be watched over by millions around the world, many of which will have engaged in some live betting.

    Technology has made their jobs easier in recent years, but no piece of technology can help to calm down irate players.

    The best umpires can keep tense situations under control, all while maintaining the match is officiated to the highest possible standard.

    Let’s learn a bit more about the life of tennis umpires, starting with some salary information…

    Tennis Umpire Salary Figures

    Reported income figures for tennis umpires vary drastically.

    Top umpires on the men’s game can pocket up to £350,000 per year, while umpires on the female tour are looking at somewhere around the £200,000 mark. 

    Officials for male Grand Slams can receive around $5,000 per match, while the equivalent position for female matches is looking at roughly half of that figure.

    These numbers are all rough estimations, however, as the exact salary figures for tennis umpires (whether that’s ATP or WTA) are not published.

    These quoted numbers are for those at the top of the game. Naturally, it takes quite some time to reach this level. Entry-level umpires are looking at closer to £350 per match.

    Essentially Sports claims that line umpires at lower levels can receive as little as £50 per day at lower levels.

    The line judges can make plenty of money once they get to the big time, however, with a daily rate of £500 for line judges in non-Slam events, which leaps to £1500 per match in Grand Slam competition.

    Of course, the majority of tennis umpires around the world don’t get close to the £350,000 average salary that men’s umpires receive.

    It’s a competitive business, and takes an immense work ethic to be making calls at Wimbledon or Roland Garros.

    Gold Badge Umpire Earnings

    Gold badge tennis umpires are tasked with overseeing WTA, ATP and Grand Slam events. These umpires are trusted with the sport’s most reputable events from Melbourne to New York.

    Their expertise means they receive the highest salaries among all tennis umpires, but it isn’t straight-forward to reach this position in a tennis umpire’s career.

    Being a Gold Badge umpire means potentially sitting through the longest tennis match. It takes several years of working as an umpire to reach the pinnacle of the profession.

    Umpires must have passed the ‘Level 3’ school. Once they have done so, they move to a bronze, then silver and potentially gold.

    Gold Badge umpire earnings are significantly higher than those at lower tiers, but the gap between officials for male and female matches remains.

    Chair umpires for ATP matches receive a fee of £1500, while the number is just £750 for women’s matches. 

    Only the very best make it into this category. There are 23 male gold badge umpires as of September 2023, with Carlos Ramos and Carlos Bernardes being the two longest serving, having reached the level in 1990.

    There are 12 female gold badge umpires currently.

    How To Become A Tennis Umpire

    The first step to becoming an international tennis umpire requires a year or two of clinics at the Professional Tennis Umpires Association (PTUA) in Houston, Texas.

    It isn’t a foregone conclusion that attending the clinics will see you become a professional tennis umpire. The tests are notoriously challenging, and you must pass them all before you are given certification. 

    Once you join the circuit, further evaluations are frequent.

    Your standards must remain high throughout if you wish to progress the umpiring ladder, which is your quickest route to earning a sizeable salary like the most well-known tennis officials.

    At first, this may well be no more than a hobby for tennis fanatics who fancy travelling the world. It is time-consuming, though, and most will be looking for their umpiring to evolve into a full-time job.

    What Are The Duties Of A Chair Umpire?

    A chair umpire is the leader of the officiating team, and must ensure all rules are followed throughout the duration of the match. 

    You are likely to see the chair umpire on camera if you are keeping up with the latest tennis predictions. They have much greater responsibilities than the line judges. 

    Chair umpires have the final say for all decisions. They are also charged with dealing with complaints and queries from players, which can be challenging at times.

    At times, chair umpires will be forced to overrule line judges on a missed call. They are responsible for the pace of play and keeping to the spirit of the game.

    Crucially, chair umpires are also responsible for completing the official scorecard. This is the formal historical record of any given match.

     Check All Sports Betting Odds Here!

    Bet on every tennis market you could want with 888 Sport

    *Credit for the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

    October 7, 2025
    888Business
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    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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