A NEW Willie Mullins horse is now favourite for THREE Cheltenham Festival races - after being the subject of a monumental gamble. The JP McManus-owned French recruit Kopeck De Mee has been put in the Coral Cup, County Hurdle and Martin Pipe at next month's Festival - despite never actually racing for Mullins. Kopeck De Mee is currently 6-1 fav for the Coral Cup handicap hurdle on the Wednesday. 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).
![[JP McManus and Willie Mullins at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NINTCHDBPICT000890830190_f89a42.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. And he is 6-1 joint-fav in Friday's County and Martin Pipe handicap hurdles alongside McLaurey and Wodhooh respectively.
The surge of cash for the five-year-old came amid confusion over whether he would actually be eligible for the handicaps. The number of runs horses need to qualify for certain races has changed this year. And some websites showed Kopeck De Mee having only one career run. This was not accurate, however, and the horse has raced five times, meaning he has qualified for all of the races entered. Billionaire racing legend McManus bought Kopeck De Mee last summer.
He was trained by Joel Boisnard in France and won three of his five races over hurdles. The most recent was in May last year when he took a Listed contest at Auteuil. His French rating of 68kg means he is likely to be given a rating of 136 for Cheltenham, if handicapping gurus follow their usual pattern of doubling the French rating. A responsible gambler is someone who:. Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
