TG4 viewers praise Willie Mullins for ‘going to a place I didn’t think he would’ during emotional moment in documentary

THERE was a lot of love for TG4’s documentary on Willie Mullins on Wednesday evening as racing fans gear up for the Cheltenham Festival next week.

The Closutton handler was the focus of a ‘Laochra na Rásaíochta’ episode akin to the Irish language station’s GAA series ‘Laochra Gael.’

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You can catch up on the brilliant doc on the TG4 PlayerCredit: TG4 Sport

Aside from contributions from the man himself, Ruby Walsh was also prominent throughout as the pair recounted their many glory days together around Prestbury Park.

Mullins’ three Champion Hurdle winners Faugheen, Hurricane Fly and Annie Power were the three star runners that featured the most (including the latter’s infamous fall at the last in the 2015 Mares’ Hurdle!).

But it was Hurricane Fly that the 66-year-old reserved the most special of praise for.

The above clip sees him proclaim the 2011 and 2013 victor ‘one of the greatest horses of all time’ despite not being the biggest of horses.

The quite touching moment was one of the standout moments from the near hour-long show.

One person said as such as they commented underneath the clip: “I thought this was the best part of the documentary.

“Willie going to a place I didn’t think he would go.”

As for more general praise the episode received, there was certainly no shortage of that either.

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Liam commented: “Incredible to think on top of the great champions he trained, Willie Mullins also regularly filled the number two and three slots in most of those big hurdle races. Gifted #LnaR”

And Sue added: “Some great @CheltenhamRaces memories this evening on @SportTG4 Laochra na Rásaíochta @RebelDevil71👏 #LnaR.”

Finally someone else said: “Lovely program on some of @WillieMullinsNH great Cheltenham winners by a station that loves Irish sport and does it so well.

“WPM is a genius trainer but also a gent.”

The Carlow native is the most successful trainer in the history of Cheltenham with 88 winners to his name.

The nearest competitor is England’s top handler in Nicky Henderson with 72 so it’s easy to see why there is such nationwide pride in how an Irishman is the most dominant figure in the sport.