Mullins moved by response after conquering the Breeders’ Cup Turf Willie Mullins has hailed the “extraordinary” reaction to Ethical Diamond’s stunning Breeders’ Cup Turf victory at Del Mar — a result that shocked the racing world and added another remarkable chapter to the Irish trainer’s glittering career. Ethical Diamond’s Breeders’ Cup Triumph Stuns Racing World The five-year-old, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, produced a breathtaking display to defeat Rebel’s Romance — a nine-time Group One winner for Godolphin — in record-breaking time. Having previously landed the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Ebor Handicap at York, Ethical Diamond was sent to California as he was deemed ineligible for the Melbourne Cup due to veterinary concerns. Mullins admitted even he hadn’t foreseen such a leap to Grade One glory, saying: “It was extraordinary in America. The minute he crossed the line and the announcer said he’d broken the course record, to me that was extraordinary — to bring what was in effect a handicapper, but I knew he was better than that. I thought he might win a Group Three — I didn’t think he’d go the whole way.” He credited his assistant David Casey for spotting the American opportunity, adding that the H O S Syndicate’s sporting spirit made the bold move possible. “He wasn’t allowed to go to Australia but David came up with this idea. I thought, ‘why not?’ and it’s important to have owners brave enough to try it.” Mullins Overwhelmed by Reaction to American Success Despite a career overflowing with achievements — over 100 Cheltenham Festival winners, multiple Grand Nationals, and Irish and British trainers’ titles — Mullins said the response to this victory eclipsed anything he’d experienced. “My phone lit up — I would say I got more texts and emails than I got for any Cheltenham winner, Grand National or even winning the championship in Britain,” he told Racing TV. “It was just extraordinary from both sides of racing, jumping and Flat. People told me there was a huge reaction at home.”
