WILLIE MULLINS burned more than a few fingers when he pulled a huge Cheltenham Festival fancy out after his odds collapsed. The Gigginstown-owned Storm Heart was vying for favouritism in the fiercely competitive County Handicap Hurdle. Storm Heart was last seen finishing a length second to the extremely well-in McLaurey in a Dublin Racing Festival handicap. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).
![[Willie Mullins on a mobile phone at Leopardstown Racecourse.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/willie-mullins-poses-leopardstown-racecourse-968344312_00a277.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get... Become a member today for just £1*. *For the first month then £3 per month thereafter. SIGN UP NOW. 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk. Gaining ground all the way to the post, the five-year-old gelding was only just denied conceding the winner a massive 20lbs.
Punters immediately picked Storm Heart out as an ideal County Hurdle type - won in the past by the likes of Mullins' stars Absurde, State Man and Saint Roi. And he was backed into as short as 8-1 having previously been as big as 33-1. But, to the heartbreak of punters, the horse was missing entirely as entries were made for all the handicaps on Tuesday. It is not immediately clear if Storm Heart, who has no future entries, picked up an injury or if the County was no longer the right race for him.
Punters saw some cracking looking bets go down the drain though, with one having backed Storm Heart at 33s. Mullins is still mob-handed in the County, which is run on Friday, March 14, the final day of the four-day Festival. Absurde will look to defend his title and has been joined in the line up by the likes of Batman Girac, Daddy Long Legs and the Tony Bloom-owned Bunting. Absurde's owners could also run the highly-fancied Ethical Diamond, while Mullins also has Gala Marceau, Gaucher, Highwind, Hunters Yarn, Jimmy Du Seuil, Karafon, Kargese and Karniquet.
